A unique, curved-roof barn in Morphett Vale, built in the 1800s, is a tangible reminder of the region’s agricultural and European pioneering past.
Easton’s Barn, located on Woodcroft Drive, has built-heritage significance due to its curved iron roof erected without supporting beams, plus sandstone walls punctuated by small windows, large barn doors and timber lintels used to striking effect.
The barn was constructed by Daniel Easton, a prolific builder, bricklayer and mason who arrived in South Australia on 14 May 1840.
Forming part of the original Melville Farm, belonging to James Bain, Easton’s Barn is one of two surviving curved-roof barns built by Easton that remain in the area.
The second—Glenheath Barn—makes up part of a privately owned site in Lonsdale, also comprising a homestead and underground tank.
Easton’s Barn is owned by the City of Onkaparinga and is among 487 built-heritage sites across the district.
Onkaparinga’s Built Heritage Planner Divya Bali Dogra says the council is committed to conserving the region’s rich history for future generations to enjoy.
"Easton's Barn is a surviving reminder of our district's remarkably diverse history since European arrival,” says Divya.
"Preservation is incredibly valuable, as it allows us to learn from yesteryear, and pass down this knowledge to future generations."
To future-proof structures of historical significance, the council undertakes regular maintenance, with Easton’s Barn itself benefitting from restoration works, including replastered walls to prevent water damage and new clay vents to ensure adequate ventilation.
A 2022 comprehensive review of existing local (built) heritage-listed sites produced a complete and up-to-date inventory of these historic landmarks.
As part of this process, the community was also invited to nominate any additional sites it believed deserved recognition.
“The next stage in formalising these results is under way, as we work towards amending the listings in the state government's Planning and Design Code,” Divya said.
In addition to maintaining a current list of local built-heritage places, the City of Onkaparinga offers grants to local property owners for maintenance and upkeep of their sites, ensuring important pieces of history are not lost or damaged over time.
Aligning with the council’s Community Plan 2023, these grants encourage sustainable residential development that respects the district’s built heritage and improves its livability.
The council also holds history and heritage awards every two years to shine a light on the best examples of built heritage conservation occurring in the district.
“These awards, held biennially, serve to showcase the positive contributions made by locals to preserve heritage buildings, while boosting the community’s understanding of our early European pioneering history,” said Divya.
“They aim to not only recognise the outstanding work being done, but also bring attention to the importance of preserving our historical landmarks for future generations to enjoy and learn from.”
Easton’s Barn is located within Easton Reserve, a public park on Woodcroft Drive, and is easily accessed by the community.
The council acknowledges the Kaurna Meyunna (people) and Nation as the Traditional Owners of the region now known as the City of Onkaparinga and recognises that European history here has a very short timeline compared to living Aboriginal culture and history.