State grant helps conserve historic Sandilands, Busselton

24/6/03
Sandilands, an 1840s homestead in Busselton, has undergone conservation works thanks to a $20,000 grant from the State Government's Heritage Grants Program.
The works included replacement of the kitchen block's roof, along with replacement of rainwater goods and ground drainage works. The walls were also treated for rising damp.
Environment and Heritage Minister Judy Edwards said Sandilands was a single-storey wattle and daub rural homestead, built in vernacular Victorian Georgian style during the 1840s and distinctive of the Australian colonial era.
"It is one of the oldest structures in the region and indicative of patterns of early settlement in the region and colony, believed to be the third house built in Busselton," Dr Edwards said.
"It is one of the few remaining homesteads of wattle and daub construction.
"Built by Charles Bussell, one of the original settlers from Augusta who founded the Vasse region, it was originally intended to be an inn due to its position on the road to Bunbury.
"However, it soon became a private residence and remained in the Bussell family for a century."
Over the years, there have been numerous extensions to the place, demonstrating historical changes and a range of different building technologies.
The growth of the place also documents changing social conditions and a way of life no longer practised.
"With its pitched roof and long, low verandahs, Sandilands has aesthetic qualities enhanced by the well-maintained gardens which provide a picturesque setting," Dr Edwards said.
"The Gallop Government is protecting our unique environment, both built and natural, for future generations."
Minister's office: 9220 5050