The Trust property in the spotlight in this Parkwater News is the nearby Ellensbrook homestead.
This historic property is located in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park. Built in 1857 by pioneer settlers Alfred and Ellen Bussell, Ellensbrook was home to their family of 12 children.
Initially the dwelling was of simple construction but with more prosperity more rooms were added.
A ticket‐of‐leave man and local Nyoongar people were responsible for building much of the early stages of the property; it was donated to the National Trust in 1979 and since then major restoration works have taken place.
Today the site is significant for its association with the pioneering development of dairy farming and sheep and cattle pastoralism in the Augusta‐Margaret River area during the colonial period.
The Trust opens Ellensbrook to the public from 9.45am to 4.15pm each weekend.
