Old Westmoreland Homestead

In a remote location near the border with the Northern Territory, on the Gulf of Carpentaria, is the original 1882 Westmoreland homestead. By road, it is 150km northwest of Burketown. The design of this simple two-roomed building reflects the guerrilla warfare which occurred throughout the Gulf country between indigenous owners and occupying pastoralists. The homestead was built with thick sandstone walls, inward opening doors and a few windows to provide security to the inhabitants and property during potential attacks. It was constructed by Thomas Brassey McIntosh, who managed the property for the partnership of himself and Robert McIntosh, Robert Philp and William Kirk. By 1887, the property was in the hands of the South Australian Mortgage and Land Company, later transferred to the Bank of Australasia. In 1916, the property was merged with other runs and owned by meatworks owner John Norman McIntyre and let on a 30 year lease. By 1937, the old homestead was the only remaining structure on the property. At this time, the Board of Directors comprised some well know cattle barons, including Sir William Charles Angliss and Walter Sidney Kidman. A new homestead was constructed on the property in the late 20th century. This is a private residence and not publicly accessible.