Local Government
Busselton
Region
South West
39 Albert St Busselton
Previously listed as 35
Busselton
South West
Constructed from 1866
Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
---|---|---|---|---|
Heritage List | YES | 13 Aug 2014 |
Type | Status | Date | Documents |
---|---|---|---|
RHP - Assessed - Below Threshold | Current | 11 Jun 1999 |
Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Category | Description | ||||
Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 13 Sep 2006 | Category 2 |
Category 2 |
Doll’s House is a fine and rare example of a two storey residence designed in Victorian Georgian style, contributing positively to the streetscape. It is a reminder of the wealth surrounding the area’s growth from a small port to a commercial hub. It remains to be one of the surviving townhouses erected by affluent businessmen who saw such properties as investment opportunities or as stopovers during their trade visits to the district.
The place holds close associations with the Anglican Church of St. Mary’s as it was used as the Anglican Rectory in the latter quarter of the 19th century. It was strategically located across the road from the church. It is also linked with well-known Busselton builders, Hough and Donald, who, together and individually, were responsible for numerous notable projects, including Caves House at Yallingup and the extensions to Busselton Jetty.
Doll’s House is a two storey residence designed in Victorian Georgian style that exudes an air of dignity characteristic of its style. It has a symmetrical front façade flanked by twelve paned windows. The front door is topped with a five paned fanlight and a verandah that stretches across the entire rear of the building.
The residence is believed to have been built for the publican of the Commercial Hotel, Arthus Lewis in 1866. The ownership of the residence parallels the growth boom experienced by Busselton that was slowly emerging as an economic hub within the region. Bustling American whaling trade had led to the establishment of various commercial and government facilities including the St. Mary’s Anglican Church in 1845. The importance of Albert Street that ran perpendicularly off the main road, Queen Street was increasingly recognized for its proximity to the town centre.
There is archaeological potential relating to the residence that may unveil the ways of life of former residents. The evidence may lie beneath the floorboard of the house or beneath the current surface layers.
High Degree/Moderate Degree
Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity despite being unoccupied at present. The front verandah has been removed. The roof to the rear has been converted from skillion to hipped.
Authenticity Notes: The place retains a moderate degree of authenticity. The painted finish and roof tiles are intrusive.
Fair
Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
---|---|---|---|
"Heritage Assessment Document (draft)" | 1999 |
Individual Building or Group
Epoch | General | Specific |
---|---|---|
Present Use | RESIDENTIAL | Two storey residence |
Original Use | RESIDENTIAL | Two storey residence |
Style |
---|
Victorian Georgian |
Type | General | Specific |
---|---|---|
Roof | TILE | Ceramic Tile |
Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
Other | CONCRETE | Other Concrete |
General | Specific |
---|---|
PEOPLE | Early settlers |
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.