The picturesque old stone and mud brick dwelling known as ‘The Homestead’ can be found 3 kilometres north east of Goomalling on the Goomalling Wyalkatchem Road and was the first development in the area, built in 1856 by George Slater.
The Homestead is currently only open by appointment. Please phone Wendy on 0429 468 763 to arrange a suitable time to take a journey back in time in the delightfully refurbished buildings. We would be delighted to share with you part of our states early pioneering history.
The Historic Homestead accommodation offers visitors an ‘early world experience’ and warm country hospitality. The Queen Room is the original School Masters residence and the Double Room is located in the main Homestead adjacent, accessed through the sitting room. The rooms are not air-conditioned, but we are able to supply a pedestal fan for comfort during the warmer months. All three rooms have electric heaters making them cosy on cold nights. The toilets and shower are a short distance away at the end of the Barn complex, with the walk serviced by level pathways illuminated by sensor lights. A continental breakfast is served in the climate controlled tearoom with facilities being shared by guests. Evening meals are available in town or by arrangement.
The iconic stone barn with its rustic charm offers a unique venue for weddings, special occasions, corporate events or family gatherings, with a manicured lawn and gardens completing the picture. Wedding ceremonies can be held under the 150 year old Peppercorn trees or in other areas of the grounds, all providing a romantic backdrop to capture memories of your special occasion.
For further information check out their new website; and for bookings please contact Wendy Williams on 0429 468 763 or by email on wendywill@bigpond.com for prices and availability. We look forward to welcoming you to the Historic Slater Homestead and making your time with us an enjoyable experience.
George Slater arrived on our shores on 20 august 1842 aboard the ‘Simon Taylor’ and was the first European settler in Goomalling and built the main homestead in 1856 on a Pastoral Lease. The following year he married Mary and over the next 20 years they had 12 children. He expanded his lease and bred remount horses for the Indian Army.
Residents of the district were unsuccessful in their request for the Board of Education to provide a school for the children of the area. George Slater built a school room and residence and engaged the services of a schoolmaster, who spent the next 30 years in the district as a teacher for the children of the district.
During the gold-rush era of the late 1880’s George Slater secured a Wayside Licence and the Slater Homestead became an Inn, providing accommodation and meals to travellers, and chaff and corn for their horses. The settlement became a haven for prospectors en route to the Yilgarn, including Bayley and Ford who discovered gold in Coolgardie, and many explorers, reputedly including the now famous Sir John Forrest, who started his journey inland in search of the remains of the Leichardt expeditions from the Homestead.
In 1907 Mary and George Slater celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a gather of family and friends. An additional stone room was added to the Homestead for the occasion and is now utilised as a Tearoom. In 1929 a centenary dance was held at the Homestead in acknowledgement of it being the oldest residence in the district, as part of the State’s Centenary Celebrations.
Following the death of George Slater in 1917 the property was inherited by his youngest son Thomas and following his death in 1930, passed into the management of the West Australian Trustee Executor Agency Company Limited. The property passed through numerous hands over the ensuing years, with the Shire of Goomalling acquiring the iconic Homestead in 2000.
To ensure the historical site is managed in accordance with its significance a Conservation Plan was prepared and as a consequence the Homestead was considered and entered into the State Register of Heritage Places, with restoration commencing in 2002.
The Historic Slater Homestead is located 3 kilometers north east of Goomalling on the Goomalling-Wyalkatchem Road.
[The Homestead is open on weekends from the beginning of April to the end of October from 10am to 4pm and at other times by appointment. Devonshire Teas, homemade cakes and light lunches are served in Mary’s Tearoom, with a selection of quality teas and Nespresso coffee.] – Currently only open by appointment.
For more information about Historic Slater Homestead please phone Wendy on 0429 468 763, visit their website www.slaterhomestead.com.au, email wendywill@bigpond.com or contact the Shire of Goomalling on 9629 1101.
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