Sandalwood Inne

Statement of Significance

Sandalwood Inne is a simple and dignified representative example of Australian Colonial Vernacular architecture. The place, for its building form and characteristics of its class, makes a positive contribution to the townscape of
Mourambine. The place is a representative example of the early development that occurred around Mourambine, before Pingelly came to prominence.

Physical Description

The residence is constructed close to the street alignment in a landscaped setting with an established front garden on a site that slopes away from the street. A plaque that commemorates the history of the place is in front
of the front gate. The building is built in the Australian Colonial Domestic Vernacular Style. The stone walls of the building are tuckpointed
to the front elevation. The exterior of the building features double-hung sash windows, brick quoins that are now painted, and rendered window reveals and sills.
The roof form dominates the exterior of the place. The hipped roof is broken back, pitched from the exterior walls to cover an encircling verandah. The verandah roof is supported by square timber posts. The front elevation is symmetrical about a central doorway. A window is either side of the entrance. The windows are divided in small panes with slim glazing bars.A lean-to verandah roof has been added across the rear of the residence which has been partially enclosed with weatherboards. The rear verandah roof is supported by square metal posts. The building has a new chimney and the side and rear verandah floor has been buitt-up in brickwork.

History

This house was built around 1872 for Samuel Wright, a Beverley farmer and sandalwood cutter. The land was owned by John Sewell, a sheep farmer who sold part of it to Wright in 1882 and the adjoining section to William Atkins in 1884. The history of the building is unclear but it appears to have been used for several purposes including an inn and possibly a post office. Charles Chapman Smith and his brother George Beaumont Smith were postmasters here
between 1862 and 1876, although it is uncertain if they operated from these premises. Henry Hawkins Sewell is recorded as using the building as a store in 1876, and then as a hotel in 1882, selling rum.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

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.