The City of Busselton has revealed an 1870s heritage-listed farming property has been allowed to deteriorate and it may be impossible to repair.

A recent council site inspection of the property – known as Phoebe Abbey’s house – revealed the building was in an advanced state of deterioration.

The council states in documents produced for councillors who attended this week’s council meeting: “Both the current and previous owners have not had significant interest to see Phoebe Abbey’s House conserved.”

The property, which was added to WA’s heritage list in 2014 and classified by the National Trust in 2005, was once home to the Abbey family, who were early colonial settlers and farmers in the Vasse district.

The Victorian Georgian-style house, built in the 1870s, is a rare example of a surviving farmhouse in Busselton.

The City of Busselton said in a statement it was committed “to the conservation of heritage assets under its ownership and control”.

The council’s report on the property was released to the public on 22 September, after previously being kept confidential.

According to the report, the property changed hands in March last year.

A building order was issued to the owner in April, requiring them to shore up, fence and secure the building.

The order came after the city received several inquiries from members of the public about the condition of the house.