Meet Edward Robinson – known for his impactful work as an explorer, pastoralist, developer, and politician, he arrived in Fremantle at the age of four.
The Story
Historically referred to as Belle View, Robinson Grove is home to a fascinating past.
In 1886, Edward Robinson purchased 750 acres in Helena Valley, establishing himself as an early settler in the Perth Hills region. Ahead of his time, he founded Belle View Dairy Farm, developing a dairy farm and homestead residence in 1887.
Now, his work lives on to inspire greatness. With two heritage-listed buildings on site, the Belle View Homestead and farm stables are a meaningful reminder of the rich past that has shaped the current vision of the estate.
Today, Robinson Grove is a place filled with hope, ready for a future of possibilities.
Meet Edward Robinson
(1840 – 1913)
Setting sail from Suffolk in England, Edward Robinson arrived in Fremantle on the Success with his parents and four siblings in 1843. His father, unfortunately, died during the voyage.
After his mother remarried, the family moved to Brookton, a small town in the Wheatbelt region. Alongside his stepbrother, he went on to establish a wheat and sheep farm in Pingelly.
An explorer, pastoralist, politician and developer, Edward sold his entire estate in 1885 to purchase 750 acres next to the Helena River.
The property became known as Belle View, where he built a homestead in 1887.
The Belle View Homestead
An important part of Bellevue’s history, Edward Robinson’s Belle View homestead featured a servant’s quarters, kitchen, baker’s oven and a smoke room for curing meats.
Following Edward’s death in 1913, the farm was purchased in 1921 by Elder Smith.
Smith’s resident stockman occupied and managed the property until his death in 1959.
The homestead has since been lovingly restored to reflect its original charm, overlooking the picturesque Helena River.
The Stables
Located north-west of the Belle View homestead, and thought to predate it, are the weatherboard and iron roofed stables.
Still containing their original stalls and compartments, the stables include the remnants of a grass tree trunk floor which was installed to protect horses’ hooves.
This flooring material is one of a few such examples remaining so close to Perth.
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