HO70 - Darlingsford Barn
13-15 Darlingsford Boulevard MELTON, Melton Shire
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Statement of Significance
Darlingsford Barn, at 13-15 Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton, is significant as the only physical legacy of a small farm that was situated on this site from at least 1862 until the 1970s, and which was one of the most prominent and successful in the Melton area. This Victorian vernacular styled building has been substantially altered and converted into a function centre.
Darlingsford Barn at 13-15 Darlingsford Road is historically significant at a LOCAL level (AHC A.4). It is a rare relic of a farm building from the original (c.1850s-80s) farming period in the Shire. It is almost certainly associated with Cr Ralph Parkinson JP, twice President of the Shire of Melton, a progressive farmer who introduced steam traction engines and threshing machines into the district, and who was a pioneer of use of manures of various descriptions on pasture as well as crops, local carter, and renowned for his local charity. The farm itself was one of the most successful in Melton, having subsequently been associated with the racehorse interests of Cr Richard Manning, proprietor of the Raglan Hotel, and also President of the Shire of Melton; and CE Barrie, prominent in the important Melton chaff industry, and owner of chaff mills in Melton, Parwan, Footscray and Diggers Rest.
Darlingsford Barn at 13-15 Darlingsford Road is aesthetically and socially significant at a LOCAL level (AHC E.1, G.1). It is a distinctive and quite imposing farm building, situated near the centre of Melton, near the picturesque Toolern Creek, and constructed of the bluestone that is geographically and historically so closely associated with the locality. The efforts of the community to preserve it as an historical landmark were eventually realised in its restoration for a community function centre (although much damage had been done to the building before this could be achieved).
Darlingsford Barn at 13-15 Darlingsford Road has architectural interest. The broad gable roof form and coursed, squared rubble bluestone wall construction are important Victorian vernacular design elements that may reflect the original form and construction of this considerably altered building.
Overall, the former Darlingsford Barn is of LOCAL significance.
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HO70 - Darlingsford Barn - Physical Description 1
Physical Description -
Darlingsford Barn, at 13-15 Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton, has a large setback from the road and an open setting. The front has a recent pedestrian path flanked by lavender bushes and open grassed areas. Two two gums trees nearby contribute a rural setting to the building, which is now set in a new subdivision near Toolern Creek.
The single storey, coursed rubble bluestone, Victorian vernacular styled building is characterised by an early broad gable roof form. The roof is clad in introduced corrugated Colorbond. There are two large openings at one end with vertically boarded timber doors. These doors and the larger doors on the other gable end have been introduced. There are also timber ventilation openings that may have been introduced.
A photograph of 1994 shows the barn unroofed, and with up to a metre of bluestone walling removed from the extreme left hand side of an otherwise mostly intact facade. Brick window architraves are no longer visible from the exterior of the restored building (although they could remain under the new timber louvres), and the central front entrance has been increased in height, requiring the removal of the the large timber lintel. A similar large timber lintel over a high door on the rear facade may be original.
The unsually broad front elevation may be the result of side additions associated with developments on the property, such as Manning's racehorse program.
HO70 - Darlingsford Barn - Historical Australian Themes
Melton Historical Themes: 'Farming'
HO70 - Darlingsford Barn - Integrity
Integrity - Altered - Low integrity.
HO70 - Darlingsford Barn - Physical Conditions
Physical Condition - Good
Heritage Study and Grading
Melton - Shire of Melton Heritage Study phase 2
Author: David Maloney, David Rowe, Pamela Jellie, Sera Jane Peters
Year: 2007
Grading:
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