Property Details

Circa 1840 - One of the oldest buildings in WA could be your new country escape!

This is the oldest known rammed earth building in the Avon Valley! It is a truly amazing, rare and authentic example of a Victorian Georgian style of dwelling constructed by settlers when they first moved onto their land. Situated in a historic area of York, being the first inland settlement of WA, the area is known as "Blandstown", named after the first owner of the property "R.H. Bland", who was also York's first Resident Magistrate. In a quaint rural setting, the home has a great outlook to gum trees along the adjoining Bland Brook, which flows mostly in the winter months or following rain events. The house is also surrounded by a beautiful English country garden of herbs and roses. Despite the secluded feel, this home is only walking distance to the centre of York, with its own heritage charm and conveniences.

A remarkable fact is the home was renovated/extended way back in 1870 with local clay bricks, by enclosing rooms under a front verandah to give the small cottage extra bedrooms. In around 1988 another extension resulted in a new space for a kitchen, dining, laundry, bathroom and a large bedroom. A new kitchen has been installed just this year, along with a brand new colourbond roof in a lovely shade of heritage red - that should protect the home for many more years to come.

The original rammed earth core of the home was 2 rooms, currently used as a lounge room and a bedroom. Walking into these two rooms is like stepping back in time, with the original rendered walls looking much as they would have all those years ago. The Heritage Council has stated that the place has the potential to reveal information on early construction practices within the Colony of Western Australia through the study of the methods used to construct the core of the building.

Its hard to believe, but in just 23 years time, the cottage will be 200 years old! It has definitely stood the test of time.

To view this unique property, please call:

Brian Wheeler - 0429 119 123
LJ Hooker York