Elverd Cottage


"I would often stay with Mr & Mrs Elverd in their home. It was originally a two roomed cottage, and someone had added a Northern room with a fireplace, but no chimney! Charlie would light the fire and all the smoke would go up into the roof. When the Shire took over the building to turn it into a museum, they had to get rid of years' worth of soot from the ceiling."
    - Hope O'Neill, Kojonup.


In the 1850s, returning soldiers were offered continued service guarding convicts transported from Britain. Called Pensioner Guards, they were granted fifteen pounds and ten acres of land to build a home. Elverd Cottage is one such home.

The cottage was built by William McDonnell in 1854. In 1879, the cottage was acquired by J.C Elverd. His son, Charlie, was born there in 1888 and lived there until his death in 1979.

The cottage was vested in the Shire and is now cared for by the Historical Society as a cultural museum.

Now restored and accompanied by farm machinery, a blacksmith shop, a donated harness display and a typical cottage garden, this is one of only a few Pensioner guard cottages in Western Australia. 

In 2004, Kojonup celebrated the 150th anniversary of the much treasured cottage. 

It is interesting to note that all Pensioner Guard lots were labeled with a 'P', with Elverd Cottage residing on lot P2. Many lot numbers in Kojonup are still preceded with such a 'P', signifying the area's unique Pensioner Guard heritage.

Elverd Cottage forms a part of the Historical Town Walk.

Public access can be arranged via appointment:

The Kojonup Visitor Centre
143 Albany Highway
KOJONUP  WA  6395

Ph: (08) 9831 0500
Fax: (08) 9831 0300
Email: kojonuptouristassn1@bigpond.com

Highlights
  • Elverd Cottage c1920sElverd Cottage c1920s
  • Elverd Cottage 1979Elverd Cottage 1979