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Open day at Pattemore House |
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Written by Les Fawkes
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Tuesday, 16 June 2009 |
Heritage listed Pattemore House
in North Maleny came alive last Sunday afternoon. In perfect weather,
the Pattemore clan came from near and far to relive fond memories of
days gone by. They were joined by members of the Maleny Historical
Society and Friends of Pattemore House who provided a traditional
spread of cakes, tea and coffee. Stan Collard and Rob Pattemore,
Presidents of each society, welcomed guests.
It was the first Open Day organised by the Friends. “What made this day special” said Sue McCleary, Secretary of the Friends “was to have guided tours of the four roomed home by Pattemore family members who grew up here or visited relatives here many years ago.” Some Pattemores happily referred to themselves as the ‘chattermores’, and their many anecdotes gave credence to this.
| Historical Society President Stan Collard and Sue McCleary, Sec. Friends of Pattemore House, with Pattemore family member
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In all, about fifty family and friends listened to Heritage architect Roger Todd talk about the historical significance of the property and its surrounds. Pattemore House is one of the oldest and best preserved farm houses in the district. Roger stressed its importance stemmed from the fact that it was a fine in situ example of living conditions of our pioneers
“Fairview”, as the house was originally called, was constructed in 1907 by the Pattemore sons for their parents, John Robert and Emily Pattemore, from beechwood, sourced and pit-sawed on the property. Roger attributed the house’s good condition to the use of beech timber “and a bit of luck”.
The farm house was heritage listed by the Queensland Heritage Council in 2003 at the instigation of the Pattemore family - some eight years after the 64ha former dairy farm was acquired by Caloundra City Council for effluent disposal and sporting activities. Accordingly, Council then rezoned the farm from rural to ‘open space, sport and recreation’.
Roger stressed the importance of retaining the charm of the rural setting and the vistas from the house across to Porters Wood. He also emphasised the need to find a sustainable use for the property as the best way of preserving its unique character.
The Friends of Pattemore House are keen to assist the Historical Society handle the restoration once the Sunshine Coast Council issues a lease. Council, at its budget deliberations, will consider a recommendation that $150,000 be allocated to assist with the restoration work on one of Maleny’s finest old farm houses.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 16 June 2009 )
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Range News 2005 - ON 
