The Murray Downs Homestead is a heritage-listed homestead at Moulamein Road, Murray Downs, Murray River Council, New South Wales, Australia. It was built by Seutorius Henry Officer and Charles Officer (between 1866 and 1884); and by Alfred Felton and Charles Campbell (between 1884 and 1891). The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 17 November 2000.
History
The Murray Downs Station was a vast expanse of land in the south west of NSW bordered by the Wakool River to the north and the Murray River to the south. In 1848 Messrs Bell and Wilson applied to lease Crown Land of which became known as Murray Downs. In 1862 the property was divided into two leases. Murray Downs Station was then and Melool was . Murray Downs and part of the adjoining property of Melool was acquired by Seutorius Henry Officer and his brother Charles in 1862. At that stage it was all unimproved country without fences. White colonists considered Aboriginal people a threat to themselves and to livestock. All goods arrived by paddle steamer and produce was likewise shipped along the river to Echuca and then by train to Melbourne. The Murray Downs Station prospered in the hands of Seutonius Officer. He was a pioneer of irrigation, established a flourishing citrus grove. The property became a community in itself and had to be self supporting. There was a baker, blacksmith, carpenter, steam engine drivers, drovers, shearers, wool classers etc. On 22 June 1866 the Officer brothers were authorised to purchase land on Murray Downs and by 26 January 1883, Murray Downs consisted of of purchased land.
The property was sold at auction in 1884 to Alfred Felton and Charles Campbell. The sheep and wool industry flourished during their ownership of the station. In 1889 there were 79,326 sheep shorn on the property, which at that time consisted of . In 1905 the property came under the control of trustee Executors and Agency Company Ltd of Melbourne. In 1917 a merino stud was established under the supervision of Arthur Laird who was to manage the station until 1935. The experiment was successful and Murray Downs was registered as a stud in 1922. In 1969 it was purchased by Kidman Reid & Co. The property has continued to function as a successful sheep station until recent years. The first homestead on Murray Downs was a pine log and mud iron roofed hut lined with hessian and paper. The date of construction was unknown. It was demolished as recently as 1917. The present homestead was commenced in 1866 by the Officers, who built the middle portion. Bricks were brought from Echuca by barge. A comprehensive complex of outbuildings, including sheds and stables for carriage and stable horses, wagons and buggies, a blacksmith's shop and harness room were erected. At this time the garden was also established.
From 1888 to 1891 Messrs Campbell and Felton altered and added to the homestead. The two-storey portion and roof tower was built as a lookout for approaching aborigines as well as the beautifully proportioned dining room. The present brick kitchen was built in 1884.
The house is currently owned on a separate title of by Matthew and Clare Lewis of Wariat Nominees. The homestead is open to public inspection and used as a venue for functions. The property is still farmed as a hobby farm that provides a backdrop to the historic building complex.
Description
The precinct includes the main house that has a painted rendered finish to brick work, with some face brick, corrugated iron roofs, verandahs all round, two-storey towers, a viewing platform, bay windows, complex roof forms, classical detailing, flush eaves overhangs, and an enclosed an internal courtyard. The courtyard has a fine gravel finish and the edges are defined by the homestead, blacksmiths workshops, and old school house. A timber picket fence surrounds the precinct with posts topped by decorative finials. A formal garden with decorative planting and geometric garden beds with brick edging; and a small house orchard; a grand driveway is lined by trees of historic significance; and an artificial lake.
Condition
As at 24 November 2000, the homestead and grounds were in good condition. Repairs and maintenance of the precinct has been constant as required for public display.