State Government heritage lists Summer Hill Group in New Norcia

9/7/02
An historic homestead and group of farm buildings in New Norcia has been interim listed by the State Government in Western Australia's Register of Heritage Places.
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said the Summer Hill group, comprising single and two-storey random rubble granite and corrugated iron buildings, was one of the first farming properties to be settled in the district in the 1870s.
"Summer Hill is relatively intact, and continues to be used as a farming property," Dr Edwards said.
"In addition, the property makes an attractive landmark for the region. The group is set in picturesque countryside, and its homestead, stables, cattle barn, shearing shed and granary are excellent examples of the Victorian Georgian style."
Dr Edwards said the group was also significant for its links to the development of the greater Victoria Plains district as an area of mixed farming.
"In addition, the history of the property highlights the way in which some landowners of humble origins rose to prosperity during the late nineteenth century," she said.
Summer Hill was established by Irish shepherd John Halligan, who purchased 40 acres of crown land in 1874.
"Mr Halligan was the most successful of those now known as the Marbro Settlers - a group of settlers who purchased small holdings in the original settlement of Marlborough, and built them into significant farms," Dr Edwards said.
"Following the purchase of Summer Hill, Mr Halligan purchased a number of neighbouring properties and became a large landholder."
Summer Hill is the only one of these farms still intact, and therefore has the potential to contribute to an understanding of the design and construction of a late nineteenth century farm complex.
"Summer Hill was originally a mixed farm, comprising pigs and cattle husbandry, and the growing of vegetables and fruit," the Minister said.
"The farm was also a community meeting place, staging post and the scene of agricultural competitions. In fact, Summer Hill provided the original venue for ploughing matches in the region, which later developed into the Victoria Plains Agricultural Show."
Today, Summer Hill continues to operate as a grain growing and stock breeding complex.
Its shearing shed is one of only a few nineteenth century shearing sheds in the district to still be in regular use. The Stables also remain in use.
"Summer Hill continues to be privately owned, and extensive renovations have been undertaken at the property," Dr Edwards said.
Minister's office: 9220 5050