Hill 60

Statement of Significance

• The place has historic value and is important as an early homestead in the Belmont area;
• It is an interesting blend of Federation Queen Anne style which has been overlaid with elements of Inter-War Free Classical style;
• The place has social value and is historically important for its association with mining and racing identity, Thomas Ryan, and in that it provided the opportunity for the establishment of the first hospital in the district;
• The place is rare as it is one of the few remaining examples of early residences in the Belmont district;
• The place has the potential to demonstrate a distinctive way of life of prosperous landowners of the Belmont district; the site is also important for the existence of a fresh water spring to which neighbours had access; and,
• The place has aesthetic value as it is prominently located on a high portion of land between Great Eastern Highway and the Swan River with extensive views up the river and across to the City of Perth.

Physical Description

Hill 60 is located within a dense urban streetscape that abuts the Swan River. Hill 60 is located on the top of a high slope leading down to the river providing sweeping views of the river and city. Adjacent development includes high rise commercial and residential buidings with paved access roads. The large date palm in the centre of the adjacent roundabout appears to be a tree which was part of the property from the 1950s relocated to its current location c2003.

Hill 60 is a rendered and painted brick building with a hipped terracotta tiled roof with decorative finials and ridge capping. A large gable projects over a wing to the south-west and a smaller gable over a bay window to the north east. Two small gablets are centrally placed on the front (south-east)elevation of the roof. All gables are detailed with decorative plaster scroll work on a stuccoed panel. A number of chimneys project through the roof. They are slightly corbelled and have simple terracotta chimney pots.

A large, rendered brick classically detailed portico defines the entry. It has corbelled arched openings flanked by tapered columns defining the corners. A dentilled frieze sits below a prominent entablature upon which sits a simple parapet.

The front verandah of Hill 60 runs along the south-east and part of the south west elevation. It has tapered tuckpointed limestone piers with rendered corbelled caps.

History

The substantial former residence was built c1902 for Robert and Elizabeth Bechtel. They named their home 'Tanunda' after grape growing region in South Australia, where the couple had previously lived with other German settlers.

'Tanunda' was bought by Thomas and Henrietta Ryan in 1909. Originally from Victoria, Tom Ryan found success as a gold miner and investor in the Meekatharra district and became a well known identity for his purchase of properties and as an enthusiastic horse breeder. This property, with its generous stables, enabled him to pursue his interests in horse racing and provide a home for his children to attend school in Perth.

During World War One, the property was renamed 'Hill 60' as the association with the German origins of 'Tanunda' was considered unpatriotic. This was not an uncommon practice at the time. The name 'Hill 60' recognises the Battle of Hill 60 which was the designation of a hill in France where an Australian battalion was trapped during fighting in 1916. A number of diggers from the Murchison District were involved in this battle.

The Ryan's engaged local builder Samuel Pederson to undertake alterations and additions to the house during their ownership. The additions included the construction of a roof garden at the rear of the property.

Tom Ryan died in 1916 of silicosis contracted from his work in the mines, and in 1920 his widow married Fred Stephens. They sold the property to milliner, Lucy Heaney in 1925 and moved back to Meekatharra.

Heaney subsequently sold the property to businessman and owner of the Red Castle Brewery, Daniel Curtis who purchased adjacent lots for his family members.

Curtis sold the property to the Sisters of St John of God in 1934 who used the residence as a hospital. The Sisters lived in the stables as space within the building was limited. In 1936, after a new hospital was built, Hill 60 was used as convent for the sisters.

In 1964, a new convent was built and the place was converted to a home for frail and aged women. It served this function until 1984 when it was converted to use as a medical centre. The Sisters of St John of God sold the property in 1996 and the adjacent hospital and convent.

In the late 1990s, the hospital and convent were demolished and Hill 60 was incorporated into a new development for the area between the river and Great Eastern Highway. Development of the adjacent properties began c2004 and Hill 60 was restored and developed for commercial occupancy.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Moderate

Condition

Excellent

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.