Dr Bartlett's Residence (fmr) & Surrounds

Statement of Significance

"Denison House" fmr. The Benedictine Retreat, fmr Dr Bartlett's Residence and site of Smith’s Mill has high historic significance given its connection to the establishment of the first flour mill on the first tillage lease in the Irwin District. Further, "Denison House" has historic significance given its association with the first medical practitioner resident in the district from the turn of the century. The place also has high aesthetic and social significance given its large scale, decorative elements and location in a prominent position on the south bank of the Irwin River. It is a highly visible landmark from the Irwin River look out.

Physical Description

Set in a high position above terraces on the south bank of the Irwin River, this large stone house has twin hipped asbestos roofs with separate asbestos verandahs to three sides. The rendered stone walls have raised rendered painted quoins to the openings and corners of the building. The verandahs are supported on timber posts set on small masonry piers and with decorative trim set below the fascia beam. The front (north) verandah is enhanced with a gable above the main entry which extends to the north to cover the concrete steps up to the verandah. To the south, an adjacent small concrete block building has a gable asbestos roof. The building has gothic arch windows to the west and timber framed double hung windows to the south. To the south east of the main building there is a large stone underground tank with flat corrugated iron roof.
The site of the Smith's Mill is located to the south west of the main building.

History

SMITH'S MILL SITE
Smith’s Mill was built on the first tillage lease in the Irwin District, location 688 of 100 acres, by John Smith and John Maley in 1865. It was situated on the road to Port Irwin (Port Denison) and it became the centre of commerce in the area when Smith became official postmaster for Lower Irwin on the 11 October 1866, at an annual fee of £6. The mill went into decline after shipping stopped calling at the port owing to bad anchorage and insurance companies unwilling to insure vessels coming to Port Irwin. In 1894, after the opening of the Midland Railway line and the Royal Steam Roller Flour Mill, Smith closed his mill and sold the property to Dr. George Bartlett in1897. The Benedictine Community purchased the property in 1944..
BENEDICTINE RETREAT, former DENISON HOUSE
Using the stone from the mill, Dr. Bartlett built "Denison House" just west of the mill site. Footings of the mill are still visible. Dr. Bartlett ran his medical practice from "Denison House" and his wife Florence is credited with the design and construction of the terraced gardens on the banks of the river below the house, work was said to be often carried out by her under lamplight. She also operated a conservatory at the rear of the building. The property has also been owned by H.S. Good. The former "Denison House" is now owned by, and serves as a retreat for, the Benedictine Community of New Norcia, who purchased the land in February 1944.
(Source: Bain, M A, "Ancient Landmarks", UWA Press, 1975 ; IDHS Records; Benedictine Community of New Norcia Archives)
2004
Location 688 was subdivided for housing in 2004, the Shire of Irwin purchased the building and some surrounding land. The building is no longer used as the Benedictine Retreat.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Modifications: Following subdivision new land titles
are being drawn up.

Condition

Good

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.