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Statement of Significance

Elm Grove Homestead Precinct with its homestead, garden, orchard, well, dam, agricultural sheds and associated yards demonstrates the way of life of a nineteenth and twentieth century small to medium sized pastoral property of the region, and the homestead complex, which has evolved over time, shows different building types and associated rural structures. While this rural lifestyle is evident in other rural properties in the local region, notably Well Station and Horse Park Homestead, these rural properties are a surviving remnant of the previously densely settled small holdings of this location which are now endangered by the encroachments of suburban development. The Elm Grove property is also significant as the only remaining working property within the Gungahlin area (in 2008) which still operates its original function of fine wool and hay production in a rural lifestyle that has continued since the Gillespie family occupied the area in the 1850s.
The Elm Grove homestead and farm have strong associations with the Gillespie family who occupied the property for nearly one hundred years and, together with the neighbouring Horse Park Homestead, demonstrate the means by which such pioneer families extended their pastoral ventures by setting up relatives on neighbouring lands. Elm Grove Homestead Precinct has significance as part of local Aboriginal tradition.