Local Government
Albany
Region
Great Southern
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
1 Wylie C r Middleton Beach
Location Details
Other Name(s)
Fernhill
Construction Date
Constructed from 1836
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 27 Oct 2020 | City of Albany |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - To be assessed | Current | 30 May 2003 |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 30 Jun 2001 | Category C |
Category C |
City of Albany |
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 27 Oct 2020 | Exceptional |
Exceptional |
City of Albany |
Values
The place has aesthetic value for its bungalow appearance located within a natural setting on the slopes of Middleton Beach.
The place has associations with Sir Richard Spencer, who organised the construction of the place for his daughter, and is said to have been the first residence constructed in the Middleton Beach area.
The place has associations with the Thompson family who owned the property for 100 years, and in particular Alec Thompson who was a local politician and businessman.
From c. 1836 up to the present day the place has been continuously used for residential purposes.
Physical Description
The place is a single storey residence located in a secluded position off the road. The original four roomed mud brick section has been extended over time and is not visible from the outside. Additions have been done largely in timber and fibro. The place has a CGI hipped roof over what appears to be the earlier section.
History
The place is believed to be the first house constructed in the Middleton Beach area. It dates from c.1836 when it was built by Sir Richard Spencer for his daughter Emma (or Emily). The original section is mud brick and still said to be extant within the current building.
In the 1850s and the 1860s, the place was said to have associations with the police and also the Native Children and Half-Caste Children’s Asylum run by the Anglican Church.
The place is said to have been owned by the Thompson family from Manjimup from the 1890s up to 1987. Mr Alec Thompson was the leader of the WA Country Party in 1930, and was also an active builder in the area being responsible for the construction of the London Hotel and the Esplanade Hotel.
The place has been added to over the years and in recent times has been converted into a duplex.
Integrity/Authenticity
Integrity- High
Authenticity- low/moderate
Condition
Good
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Police Station or Quarters |
| Original Use | RESIDENTIAL | Single storey residence |
| Present Use | RESIDENTIAL | Single storey residence |
| Other Use | EDUCATIONAL | Primary School |
Architectural Styles
| Style |
|---|
| Other Style |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Other | TIMBER | Other Timber |
| Wall | EARTH | Adobe {Mud Brick} |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Settlements |
Creation Date
13 Mar 1998Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
30 Mar 2022Disclaimer
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.