Le Fanu

Statement of Significance

This house is of considerable significance on a state level for its rare architecture and its historical
associations. The original owners were prominent in business and charity. Examples of a breed rarely |
seen these days.

Physical Description

1995 Comment: Very high historical and architectural significance, a landmark.
Nestled into the dunes at the bottom of Salvado Street is "Banksia" built by Henry Diggins Holmes and
his wife Marion between 1892 and 1897. The cluster of roofs trace the development of the complex
building. The architect was the same as for the Ministering Children's League Hostel which the Holmes
set up. At present he has not been identified. The house is a rambling split-level "Queen Anne" style
house with eight bedrooms, a ball room and a dining room which can seat forty people. The walls are
coursed rubble-limestone with brick quoining around the Romanesque arched windows, doors and
air-vents. It had an iron roof now replaced with asbestos sheeting. The windows are placed to take
advantage of the ocean views from three sides. The gables on all foursides have Tudor details, one has
diamond shaped shingles and timber decoration. The southern facade is the most dominant with a
candle snuffer roofed hexagonal bay with arched windows to the south east. The eaves have
decorative corbelling. The roof is topped with an elaborate cast metal finial. A dominant gable thrusting
forward to enclose arched windows is supported on decorative masonry corbels and turned supports.
There are remains of stained glass in the arches of this and the bay and remains of decorative corbelling
to the sides of the windows. The verandahs are supported on simple square posts. The chimney stacks
are stuccoed with an elaborate frieze and double corbel. The front door is solid wood with lights on
either side and above. The house in a very poor state of repair. The entire garden is enclosed by a
limestone wall. MI Comment: AKA "Banksia" or "Le Fanu".
Additional Comment: On the State Heritage Register. Since the mid-2000s the dwelling has undergone major extensions, reconstruction and conservation works.

Reason for Inclusion
1. The place is of higher-order local cultural heritage significance, being classified as Category 1 in the Town’s Municipal Inventory (MI).
2. The place is also heritage classified on the State Register of Heritage Places.
3. The place contributes to the character and amenity of the street, locality and overall district.

History

The Holmes were resident in Cottesloe in 1892. They had arrived from South Australia in 1890 for Henry to manage the
Western Australian Bank. Marion Holmes was the founder of the Ministering Childrens League in Western Australia.
She was a member of the Karrakatta Club and a number of other organizations. The Holmes had two daughters Phoebe
and Emmie and a son. Mrs Holmes and the daughters were dedicated charity workers. The son needed constant care.
Marion Holmes was a talented painter, china painter and pyrographer. The WA Museum and the National Trust have
examples of her work.
The house passed to the Anglican Church who used it as a conference centre renaming it "Le Fanu House" after the
Anglican Archbishop of Australia who was a Western Australian .
C 1971 it was bought by the current owner who farms in Esperance. It has been rather neglected and is in a sorry
state of repair.
Conservation order under Section 59(4) of the Heritage of Western Australia Act 1990 issued on 13 August, 1996.
On or about the 3 June, 1998, owner caused two chimneys to be demolished without the required consent. Matter
considered in Fremantle Court of Petty Sessions on the 22 June, 1999 and 13 July, 1999. Adjournment granted until 5
October, 1999 on the basis that the owner agreed to take all necessary steps to reinstate the chimneys.
Preliminary approval granted by the Western Australian Planning Commission for subdivision of existing site into two

Le Fanu entered in the Register of Heritage Places on an interim basis on 14 May 1999 (GG)
Council issues Planning Consent for new house on adjoining lot during May 1999.
Prosecution commenced for contravention of of a conservation Order under Section 59(4) of the Heritage of Westem
Australia Act 1990 - hearing on the 1 November, 1999. Adjourned to the 20 January, 2000. "

Permanent Listing in Register of Heritage Places on 7 January, 2000.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity almost intact
Modifications additions made over the years

Condition

Poor

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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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.