Coochin Coochin Homestead facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coochin Coochin Homestead |
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Coochin Coochin Homestead, 2002
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| Location | J Bell Road, Coochin, Scenic Rim Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1840s - 1860s (mid-19th century) |
| Built | c. 1840s - c. 1920s |
| Official name: Coochin Coochin Homestead | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape, built) |
| Designated | 21 August 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600034 |
| Significant period | 1840s (historical) |
| Significant components | garden/grounds, views to, residential accommodation - main house, trees of social, historic or special significance, fencing, garage, shed - hay, meat house, shed/s, views from, vista/s |
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The Coochin Coochin Homestead is a very old and important property located on J Bell Road in Coochin, Scenic Rim Region, Queensland, Australia. It's known for its history and beautiful buildings, some of which were built as early as the 1840s and others around the 1920s. Because of its special history, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 August 1992.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
The land where Coochin Coochin Homestead stands was first settled in 1842. It was known as Delhunty's Plain. Two men, David Hunter and James Fyffe, started a large farm there. In 1844, a man named John Kent took over the farm. He was the first to use the name Coochin Coochin again. This name comes from the Aboriginal words ga-jin-ga-jin, which mean "red stones". The main part of the homestead was built around the 1840s.
Early Days and Challenges
In 1858, a newspaper reported about some rules for workers at Coochin Coochin. Two men were fined for not following these rules. Later, in 1861, there was a conflict involving local Aboriginal people and the station. An investigation looked into this event. It was suggested that the conflict happened because the Aboriginal people's hunting grounds had been taken. The homestead's location, close to thick bush, was also mentioned as a factor in the event.
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The homestead buildings were moved to their current spot in 1871. In 1877, a large part of the property, about 8,500 acres (3,400 ha), was made available for other people to settle on.
The Bell Family Era
In 1883, James Thomas Marsh Bell bought the property. He was already a part-owner of another large farm called Camboon Station. The Bell family still owns Coochin Coochin today.
In the 1920s, Coochin Coochin Homestead became a very popular place for social events. Many important people visited and enjoyed large parties there. After World War II, the property was used as a small dairy farm until 1965. It had up to sixty milking cows.
Why Coochin Coochin is Special
Coochin Coochin Homestead was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992 for several important reasons.
A Glimpse into Queensland's Past
Coochin Coochin was one of the very first large farms, or "pastoral runs," in the Moreton region of Queensland. It started in 1842. The oldest parts of the homestead date back to the 1840s. This place helps us understand how farming and life on large properties developed in Queensland.
A Unique Homestead Example
The homestead is a large group of buildings, gardens, and other features. It is still very well-preserved. It shows us what early and growing homesteads in Queensland were like. The main house has parts from the 1840s, 1880s, and early 1900s. The big garden, meat house, and hay sheds all show how people lived and worked on a large farm. There's even a special "tree yard" where famous visitors planted trees. This tradition started in 1907 with Lord and Lady Chelmsford.
Beautiful Scenery and Design
The homestead is in a beautiful spot, surrounded by national parks. The house itself sits within a lovely, old garden. Over 150 years, the homestead has become even more beautiful. Its natural look, old materials, and the way the buildings are arranged make it very appealing.
Important to the Community
Coochin Coochin is well-known in Queensland as one of the earliest farms. It has been written about in many books and articles about history and heritage. This shows its special importance to the people of Queensland.
Connected to Key People
The homestead is strongly linked to the Bell family. They have owned Coochin Coochin since 1883. The Bell family has played a big part in developing farming in Queensland. For example, Ernest Bell was an important community leader. He was a Member of Parliament for the area from 1913 to 1930. The Bells were also famous for being very welcoming, and many important guests visited Coochin Coochin for much of the 20th century.
