In 1857 Ellen and Alfred Bussell chose the site of their new home. Sheltered from the winter storms, the site had access to fresh water and was surrounded by fertile soil. Over the decades the house was built in stages by ticket-of-leave convicts, deserting seamen and local Noongars. The Ellensbrook venture was successful, with income derived from the sale of beef, butter and cheese. Much of the success was due to the practical skills, energy and sound management of Ellen. Alfred and Ellen left Ellensbrook in 1865. Between 1871 and 1877 Ellensbrook was managed, and the homestead extended, by the eldest of their five daughters, Fanny. Later, the second daughter Edith made Ellensbrook her permanent home. In 1899 she established the Ellensbrook Farm Home for Aboriginal Children. The Home continued for 17 years during which time Edith continued the tradition of extending the main building. The Noongar name for the locality is Mokidup, and it was a traditional summer camping spot for thousands of years.

Yelverton Protea Farm was established and hand planted by the Thorpe family in 1988. Since this time the farm has been producing fresh cut Proteas for the local and international markets. Centrally located between the south-west capes in the Margaret River Wine Region, set over two hundred acres of undulating fields and nurtured by the Island Brook creek. Our Harvest Shed is open to the public 7 days a week where we offer Harvest Shed prices on all of our beautiful Protea Flowers and Plants from our Nursery.