RUINED HOUSE AND OUTBUILDING
Mirranatwa School Road MIRRANATWA, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
The ruined house and outbuilding are located on the north side of the Mirranatwa School Road, in the hamlet of Mirranatwa. The ruined house is of timber, and dates from the late nineteenth century or early twentieth century, as does the timber outbuilding, probably a laundry. Adjacent to the house is a domed brick baking oven which is in poor repair. The land around the house and outbuilding indicates the remains of a substantial vegetable and flower garden, with much disturbed and furrowed earth evident. The land was taken up by William J. Dark in 1874-75 under the Land Selection Acts. Dark worked with his brother Arthur and father Thomas as a shingle splitter in the Victoria Forest. It is believed that he left the area in about 1884, and the current house and outbuildings were built after this date. There has been no builder associated with the design. The house is in ruinous condition, the brick oven and laundry are in poor condition, although all structures retain a high degree of integrity.
How is it significant?
The ruined house and outbuilding are of historical significance as items for the VIctorian Heritage Inventory
Why is it significant?
The ruined house and outbuilding are of historical significance for their association with the local family of the Darks, who have been in the Victoria Valley and Mirranatwa area since 1874. It is of further historical significance as it provides us with evidence and a physical reminder of a past way of life.
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RUINED HOUSE AND OUTBUILDING - Physical Conditions
The house is in ruinous condition, the timber laundry is in poor condition.
RUINED HOUSE AND OUTBUILDING - Physical Description 1
The ruined house and outbuildings located on the Mirranatwa School Road consist of a small ruined timber house, and a small timber outbuilding, thought to be a laundry. An oven is located next to the house, constructed of brick with a dome, possibly used for baking bread. The remains of an extensive vegetable and flower garden surround the site, evident in the disturbed earth and uneven ground which clearly show where garden beds, paths and furrows have been created. Adjacent to the ruined house is a large Peppercorn tree (Schinus molle). A mature Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) is also on the site.
RUINED HOUSE AND OUTBUILDING - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 3: Developing local, regional and national economies
3.4 Making forests into a saleable resource
3.8 Moving goods and people
3.8.5 Moving goods and people on land
3.8.6 Building and maintaining railways
3.8.7 Building and maintaining roads
3.11 Clearing vegetation
3.16 Struggling with remoteness, hardship and failure
Theme 5: Working
5.8 Working on the land.RUINED HOUSE AND OUTBUILDING - Usage/Former Usage
abandoned house and garden
RUINED HOUSE AND OUTBUILDING - Integrity
high degree of integrity as an archaeological site
RUINED HOUSE AND OUTBUILDING - Physical Description 2
William J. Dark, first selector of the land.
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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