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Conserving history for future generations...
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Built by David Smith Todd at the close of the nineteenth century; the structure is sited as one of the most significant and intact examples of vernacular architecture in this region. Its semi-remote nature has meant that it escaped the normal interference and modernising suffered by other early buildings. By today’s standards, the scale of the building is impressive, and for its time, it was a mansion; with generous rooms in which the method of construction can still be seen today. David Todd was a man of education and learning and, along with his wife introduced touches of French architecture to the house in the form of two overhanging verandahs with steep pitched hipped roofs topped with large turned finials. These romantically eccentric nuances were indicative the Todd’s efforts to make the basic structure appear more affluent and distinctive in this serenely remote Their success can be measured in the surprisingly impressive and elegant dwelling that, when viewed from one of the many vantages that populate this rough mountainous area, suggests a time lost in history, a time of campfires scattered along a creek that whispered “gold” in every rapid, a time when Asian and Anglo worlds intertwined briefly prior to taking flight like a bloodhound onto the scent of the next goldfield An architectural time capsule, it is a social barometer for the period of construction, a living museum on earth and timber construction, an inspiring backdrop to the story of pioneer life, and a silent witness to the untold mysteries of the gold mining era. The gold rush and accompanying Chinese & Anglo miners necessitated the development of the attached General Store (the sign for it is still there), and its waning later transformed the store into a shearing shed (working gear restored). The structure itself is a magnificent example of building sustainability; constructed primarily of locally acquired earth, rock and timber; underscoring the early homesteaders understanding of where all the materials come from. This house, inhabited into the 1980s, has deteriorated significantly from lack of care, and is perilously close to self-destruction. Leaking valley and verandah gutters have been the single biggest cause of decay, and without the help of volunteers who have mended, patched, and propped subsiding members, would have surpassed the critical stage of rehabilitation. Without additional and immediate help to complete these works by heritage professionals, only ruins will greet the next visitors. This is an opportunity not to be lost. Mountain View Homestead is unique, and of a national importance equalling and exceeding many of the vernacular houses already listed. It has so much to offer this and future generations of visitors. A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) has been completed, and identifies the priorities and strategies for the appropriate management and conservation of Mountain View Homestead in a manner that does not impact upon the State Heritage significance of Bathurst City Council has also included the house as a heritage item in the future comprehensive Local Environmental Plan (LEP) because of its heritage significance to the area, making it possible for Council to grant consent to the subdivision of the existing parcel of land for the express purpose of the conservation of the building. Interested investors can enquire through MVRI. Mountain View Restoration Inc (MVRI), a non-profit organization formed by small group of locals had the house listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and has applied to the State Heritage Office for a significant grant to implement the emergency repairs needed to stabilise the house in the short-term. This grant is a dollar-for-dollar grant, and MVRI is appealing to the community for help in raising the funds needed to match the grant funding. Donations can be in the form of money, materials or labour. MVRI can see this building achieving a widespread reputation if it is put back to a state where the public can enjoy the feeling of connecting with our past that only a building of its type can convey. For more information contact Heather Stocks on 02 6337 5009 or at MVRI@bigpond.com DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT ANY COMMONWEALTH BANK Account Name: Mountain View Restoration Incorporation
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