Oakabella homestead, Northampton, to be entered on heritage register

10/1/96

The historic Oakabella homestead in Northampton, home to one of the area's pioneering families, is to have its heritage values recognised by the State Government.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said the homestead would be listed on the State Register of Heritage Places on an interim basis.

Mr Lewis said Oakabella was an important reminder of the rural expansion of Western Australia and particularly Northampton, in the 1860s and 1870s.

"Oakabella was built in the 1860s at a time when the Northampton area was developing as an agricultural area," he said.

"Oakabella has a close association with the Drummond family, who first held the lease, and with the Jackson family who have lived there for more than 80 years.

"As a large and substantially intact homestead of the mid-nineteenth century, Oakabella makes a significant contribution to the Northampton community's sense of place and history.

"The complete nature of Oakabella is rare and the place has the capacity to demonstrate a way of rural life that is now uncommon."

The Minister said Oakabella, on Starling Road, comprised the homestead and associated walled garden and trees; a kitchen and quarters; two-storey barn; blacksmith's shop (in ruins); stables; shearing shed; and two framed houses with various modern light-framed shelter structures.

"Together with Knockbrack (the Bowes), Willi Gulli and Trevenson homesteads, Oakabella was one of a group of similar farm homesteads in close proximity to each other in the Northampton district," Mr Lewis said.

"Despite some changes in use over time, and the degradation and modification of some of the components of the homestead, Oakabella has a high degree of authenticity.

"Also generally in sound condition, Oakabella demonstrates the main characteristics of a substantial homestead during the settlement and development of the Northampton district."

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595 or 221 1377