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Merriang Homestead
6 Merriang Homestead Road ,, MYRTLEFORD VIC 3737 - Property No B4362

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National Trust

B4362 Merriang Homestead

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Statement of Significance
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Statement of Significance

Merriang is a precisely modelled, single-storied building. Facing east, the facade is delineated by a verandah, with binding returns to north and south and balustraded cast-iron panels. Foundations, lintels and verandah steps are boldly expressed in dressed blocks of granite. Walls are of brick, made on the property; the outer walls of three brick thickness. Roofing is of galvanised iron, over shingles. A wide and high entrance hall passes family living areas, with doors of New Zealand sugar pine and fireplace surrounds of cedar, throughout to the open courtyard. This has flanking wings, the original support areas, for provedoring and servant quarters. Notable features include the staff living-room of the southern wing, with attic sleeping accommodation, and the granite-walled cellar below; the meat room with its recessed brick-paved floor and centrally placed massive chopping block; the court yard well, 60' deep and 18" in diameter, lined with random coursed granite rocks, fed by subterranean water-flow; the brick-paved, posted courtyard verandah. Date of construction is not determined. A photograph of 1875 shows a well-established house and garden, and the style supports the contention that Merriang was built in the early 1860s for Michael O'Donnell, owner of the property from 1863 to 1892. The form of the building is as for many homesteads of the period.
Merriang is a place of strong beauty. In the broad view, it blends into a grand canvas with powerful elements of nature; the deep stand of mature euclaypts at the western boundary; the mighty up-thrust of the Buffalo Ranges to the south, the arcing sweep of the Ovens Valley to the east.
Classified: 21/04/1983
File Note: See also T11058 Ulmus procera (English Elm)and T11059Juglans regia (Walnut)

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