1907 Farmhouse rose from the rainforest

Fairview was built by the Pattemore brothers using pit sawn white beech, cut and dressed on the Maleny property. Image Courtesy Friends of Pattemore House Inc.

Fairview, often referred to as Pattemore House, is a state heritage listed property built in 1907 in North Maleny. It is leased by a dedicated volunteer group, Friends of Pattemore House Inc.

The group has received a $7421 Heritage Levy grant from Council for a storytelling project: “From Forest to Farmhouse - Building Fairview”.

It is the story of the Pattemore brothers, who built Fairview using pit sawn White Beech, cut and dressed on the Maleny property. It tells of how they, and other settlers in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, were able to convert a rainforest tree into a farmhouse.

The story will be re-enacted using a pit saw and other early tools, with the final product a digital story for display in Fairview.

Friends of Pattemore House Inc president Gail Denver said they were thrilled to receive the Heritage Levy Grant.

“We’re going to work with a conservation architect and local filmmaker to re-enact and film a demonstration of pit sawing and timber hand planing, using tools authentic to the period,” Ms Denver said.

“The film will become part of a permanent display at Fairview for our visitors to enjoy.”

Heritage Levy Grants are an initiative funded by council’s Cultural Heritage Levy for not-for-profit museums and heritage organisations.

This round of Heritage Levy grant recipients include Nambour Museum, Friends of Pattemore House, Queensland Air Museum, Montville Village Association, Kenilworth and District Historical Association and Eudlo Public Hall and Recreation Grounds Association. Each shares in more than $43,000 to help with collection care, exhibitions and public programs.

To find out more visit heritage.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au