Farm complex - 'Forest Lodge'
Description
A substantial farm complex comprising of a large homestead, shearing shed and stables, which are clustered in a setting of mature exotic trees. All buildings are constructed from local bluestone. The house has coursed and lined walls with painted brick quoining. The house appears to have been built in several stages with the east wing being the major addition. The west wing was constructed in the 1920's. There is an unusual lantern in the roof of the central section of the house. The shearing shed has a flagged floor, and retains its split stringy bark shingles beneath the corrugated galvanised iron clad roof. The other outbuilding divides the farming function from the formally laid out garden in front of the house, which contains numerous large exotic trees and the remnant formal driveway.
History
It is believed that G.F. Dashwood began 'Forest Lodge' by constructing the central section of the house (defined by the extent of front verandah) with the east and the west wings added later. Dashwood had settled in the area in the 1840's and established his first property 'Parkhurst' nearby (see No. 90). An early date for the east wing is supported by the use of similar windows as those at neighbouring 'Fern Hill', constructed in 1861-62.
Photo(s) courtesy of: Bruce Harry and Associates (2007).