Killowen

Statement of Significance

This place is a representative example of the grand style houses built in Mount Lawley at the time of early settlement. Since 1935, it has historic importance for its social and civic functions as a
hospital.

Physical Description

Now surrounded by hospital development, the grand house is still legible and some sense of Robinson's house in its landscape setting is still possible. It was made in the grand Edwardian style with 30 rooms, four bathrooms and two external staff quarters. It was a two storey brick and tile building with timber construction verandahs and tiled rooves. It had stucco baning and decorative sill treatments. The house sits high on pillow limestone foundations and features tile hung valances.

History

Killowen and its grounds are important as part of the story of the development of larger properties in Mount Lawley and has significant vestiges of an important riverside landscape.
The house was built for solicitor Robert Robinson in 1903 and named after the Lord Chief Justice in the UK, Lord Killowen. Robinson was on the Perth Road Board and was later elected to state parliament and at one stage was the treasurer of WA. He died in 1926 and in 1935 the Sisters of Mercy acquired it for St Anne's Hospital. It appears that at this time the place became known as 'Killowen House.'

Significant alterations were carried out, including a two storey extension, a lift tower and a new porch on the west elevation.

Further details can be found in the Palassis Architects submission on the draft MI which can be found under PF/142 volume 3.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - Moderate
Authenticity - Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

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.