Hotel Australia (fmr)

Physical Description

A single-storey brick, stucco and corrugated iron building, showing influences of Federation Free Classical style. Includes an enclosed carriageway.
The place is a single storey building L-shaped building constructed to the alignment of the original main street Now Laver Place. The front elevation is rendered brick built on a bull nosed plinth. The front elevation has a parapet that conceals hipped roofs with gablet vents. The building's exterior features square pilasters that divide the facade into bays. The pilasters continue to the parapet and are capped with geometric motifs. The central feature is a triangular pediment that emphasises the principal entrance. The window openings are articulated by heavily moulded semi-circular hoods, surrounds and sills. The treatment is repeated around the door openings but with square pilasters that support the hoods are their springing points. A large semi-circular opening at the northern end of the facade accommodated the carriage store, now sealed by cgi. Windows are divided onto three lights, now protected by grilles. It is believed that the principal doorway retains original joinery but with new doors.
The interior has; timber floors throughout, except the carriage store which was covered with concrete; pressed metal ceilings with metal roses; plastered walls which retain original vents; and simple arches in the hallway one of which has been partially bricked up. The cellar is an extant. Physical evidence remains of the interior openings. In the 1970's, the carriage store was divided by a brick partition and a chiller room accommodated in therear section. At this time, the interior, north wall of hte carriage room was totally covered with paintings which reflected the mineral exploration of the times, Further alterations were carried out in 1985, when the building was converted from a cafe into a newsagent. Lightweight partitions were installed and the carriage store ceiling was lined. The walls of the carriage store have exposed piping and electrical wiring.

In the 1970's, the site was enclosed by rough rendered wall that has a painted mural on the internal face.

The rear courtyard has been flood lit and covered with concrete and over the years, used as a recreational space, including rollerskating rink and outdoor function area.

In 1986, the place was purchased by catering company Nationwide Food service and converted to a newsagency in the late 1980's. It incorporated agencies for Goldfields Air Services, Westpac, United Credit, Lotto products, Greyhound Bus and Interflora.

In 1995, the place was purchased by J Carter following the downsizing of the town when WMC ceased mining operations at Lancefield, Beasley Creek, South Windarra and Windarra.

The place operated as a boarding house for a short time during the late 1930s.

History

This building was constructed for Richard Lancaster as the Hotel Australia in 1901 (Laverton Mercury 27/04/1901, p 2). In Twentieth Century Impressions, the hotel is a described as ;"a fine brick structure and completely dwarfs the other edifices in it's vicinity", (Thiel, 1901, p 658).

The architect was Mr WE Robertson who spared no expense in designing the building of burnt brick with cement dressings, Contracts were awarded to Mssrs Judge and Stamp for the woodwork and Mr J Edwards for the brickwork. The bricks were made locally by Messrs Baker and Company. The front bar was 18ft x 18ft and features turned pillars with mirror backs. The saloon bar was of similar design but connected to the billiard room (19ft x 24ft) and smoking room. The dining room (19ft x 24ft) had lofty, decorated ceilings. The pantry, storeroom and kitchen were also of considerable size. There were eight bedrooms all 12ft x 10ft, excluding the bridal chamber which was 14ft 12ft and all were furnished in an elaborate style with baths available. A large archway was built of brick and formed part of hte architecture at he front of the hotel and was used for vehicles to access the stables at the rear (Laverton Mercury 27/04/1907 p 2).

A few months later, Lancaster completed a large awning at the back of hte hotel which was capable of holding 250 people and it was also lit by acetylen gas. as there was no hall available for public use at this time, this extension with it's own private entrance became a popular place for concerts and the like (Laverton Mercury 24/08/1901, p 2).

In January 1902, Clyde Ballantyne purchased the Hotel Australia and this led to a succession of owners over the years (Laverton Mercury 25/01/1902, p 2). Up until 1902, when the railway arrived in Laverton, coaches operated by Cobb & Co. were the main mode of transport to Laverton from the railway at Menzies. The coach company used Hotel Australia as their base and his was probably why the place was renamed Coach House( West Australian;"News of the North", 18/08/1976 p. 8).

In 1914, the place stopped being used for the needs of travellers and it suffered further indignation when it was delicensed and closed in 1926-27 (Wises Post Office Directory 1926-27). after that it was used for varying periods, as an aerated water factory, guest house and garage. Then it was left unoccupied for 28 years. In 1968, Mr Ken Shirley (the discoverer of nickel at Mt Windarra) used it as his base. In 1970, Frank and Lil Pearce, with funds by Don Leahy, extensively renoc=vated the run-down building and converted it to a restaurant. Six years later it became a dining room, milk-bar and amusement centre (West Australian;"News of the North 1/08/1976 p.8).

Around 1983, it became the Coach Houe Inn until 1995, when it was purchased by Mr Carter and it was converted inot a newsagency and shop (Central Eastern Telephone Directories 1982-1997).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Low Degree
Authenticity: Moderate Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.