Colonial cottages to get a facelift
Two neglected Heritage-listed buildings on the old Sinnamon Farm site are set for rejuvenation with Rotary Jindalee stepping in to do much-needed maintenance.
The hand-sawn timber homestead “Beechwood”, built in 1869 (left), and the old schoolhouse are both in a state of disrepair. The homestead, which borders busy Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, is one of the oldest buildings in the district. The long term fate of the surrounding land lies in the outcome of possible development proposals.
“As a service to the community, Rotary will make the buildings look a little more aesthetically pleasing, to be more in keeping with the look of the surrounding suburb,” club president Steve Lazarakis said.
“We want to prolong the life of the buildings and give them a little bit of energy.”
He said Rotary had an arrangement with the owner to do “superficial maintenance” to the house and school.
“Rotary mows the lawns and cleans the gardens within the fences once a month,” he said.
Mr Lazarakis said Rotary would be repairing gutters and downpipes and repainting the exterior of the house and school. He emphasised all work would adhere to the strict guidelines of the Heritage bodies and the Qld Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The larger homestead “Glen Ross” built in 1887 to the west of the two other buildings (right), remains dilapidated following severe fire damage in 2007.
The historical significance of Sinnamon Farm and the pioneer buildings are an important record of rural settlement in the area, and the Sinnamon family were influential community members. In 1910, early glider flights were conducted from the property from an area known as the Macleod aviation site.
A spokesperson for the Heritage Register, while fully supportive of the Rotary action, declined to comment on record. Work on the two historic buildings will begin towards the end of May.