Hasell's Cottage (ruin)

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value as one of four remaining structures of the original Toodyay township and for its association with George Hasell, a prominent builder in the region. The brick kiln is a rare and unusual example of its type and period in Western Australia. The cottage has aesthetic value as it demonstrates artistic excellence through the quality of the masonry and for its contribution to the streetscape.

Physical Description

Single storey stone brick and former dwelling, now in ruins. No roof, windows or doors and supported by internal metal bracing bolted through the main elevations. holes in elevations may be evidence of previous stabilisation works. Stonework has been re-pointed in places. The original cottage was extended to the rear, the brick quoining marking the point of the original rear elevation. Windows and door openings have red brick dressings set in a rounded arch. Remnants of a red brick chimney.

History

'Hasell's Cottage' is the ruin of a Victorian Tudor style cottage built by George Henry Hasell in two stages. This is a two room, single-storey building made of a mixture of convict depot bricks, Hasell's own bricks and cut stone. It was constructed around the end of 1854. The building was roofed with corrugated iron and was one of the first buildings in the district to use this roofing material. A brick kiln located about 100 metres from the cottage was constructed by Hasell around 1855. In 1865 a single-storey extension with a cellar was added by Hasell.
Hasell was a prominent builder of the district and was responsible for a number of buildings now recognised for their heritage value. Hasell was an Irish convict convicted of cattle stealing. He was given his Ticket Of Leave the day after he arrived in the Swan River Colony and was sent to the Toodyay Convict Depot to work on its construction. He was granted his conditional pardon in 1854 when he married and built this dwelling. Members of the family remained in the house until 1900.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: High

Condition

Poor-Ruins

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.