The Retreat

Child Places

• 00388 House

Condition

The place has been extensively upgraded and is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 00388 House

Statement of Significance

The Retreat, a stucco masonry and zincalume roof Federation Italianate style residence, converted for use as a medical centre, has cultural heritage significance as a fine example of the style and period, as the residence of the prominent George Barnard and as an example of adaptive re-uses of an important building.

Physical Description

The Retreat’ (Barnard’ House) was a substantial private residence, the building has been restored after a period of neglect. The building has some stylistic similarities to No 58 west Street. The Retreat is a stucco masonry and zincalume roof Federation Italianate style residence, converted for use as a medical centre. It is symmetrically arranged with gabled bay windows to the east and west of the centrally located front entrance. The roof is steeply pitched and articulated with gables, finials and chimneys with corniced chimney caps. A verandah extends around the building with timber posts and a St. Andrew’s cross balustrade.

History

Built by Byfield, Allpike and Ashton as a holiday home for themselves. The Guerin family is reputed to have been one of the original owners. Approximately 10 years after it was built, ownership changed hands for the first of many times. The Barnard family moved into the house after the birth of their son Alan Barnard in May 1903. George Jnr and Eliza Barnard were born at the site. Mrs Min Ryan (nee Barnard) lived in the house until she was married at 25 years of age. Mrs Ryan in an interview (1977) ‘we used to have a lot of land around the house down to Prince Street and across to Queen St.’ When Mrs Ryan died she was the last of the Barnard family children who lived at the Retreat. The retreat remained in the hands of the Barnard family for 63 years until it was sold to the Paradise Motel in 1966 when it was considered for demolition to expand the existing Motel (over the road). The Retreat was then sold to Woolworths Pty Ltd who purchased the land for a possible development as a supermarket, however Coles established a supermarket in 1975 and the development was put on hold. The retreat was purchased in 1975 by Dr Robert Jarvis and at this time the building underwent extensive renovations to cater for doctors’ surgeries and professional rooms. In 1977 the building housed an accountants office, a branch of the Busselton Health Centre and a clinical laboratory. Dr Jarvis sold to Keith Howard, car dealer who bought it as an investment property. The property is now owned by Dr John Caldow and is used as doctors’ surgeries and clinical laboratory. It was extended in 2003 and several palm trees were removed. The retreat escaped damage in a fire in 1977 when the Busselton Fire Brigade arrived within three minutes and extinguished a fire in a cupboard that had spread from one of the fireplaces. (Busselton Margaret River Times, 24 March 1977.) Built for George William Barnard the owner of the Commercial Hotel (built as the Freemasons Hotel) during the 1890s. In recent years the place has been extensively renovated and re-presented as the Retreat, Busselton Medical Practice. The Retreat as a medical centre represents a significant gain to the conservation and presentation of Busselton’s heritage.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The place is no longer in use as a residence and retains a moderate degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The exterior and setting have been extensively upgraded, but the underlying fabric of the building would appear to be authentic. Moderate Degree/-

Condition

Good-The place has been extensively upgraded and is in good condition.

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Child Places

• 00388 House

Statement of Significance

The Retreat has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: • The building is located in a prominent position and presents as a distinctive example of a Federation Italianate style of architecture, which together with mature palm trees creates strong visual appeal and streetscape values; • The place is significant in the history of the local area and has connections with several generations of the Barnard family who presented a prominent social and professional standing in Busselton; • The place is valued by the local community as a reminder of Busselton’s development as a holiday destination and its ongoing use as a medical facility

Physical Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION The Retreat is a single storey stucco masonry building with zincalume roof, in Federation Italianate style, situated in a prominent position close to the main street of Busselton. The hipped roof is steeply pitched and features gables, finials and chimneys with corniced chimney-caps. It is symmetrically arranged with the bay windows at the east and west of ends of the front façade that are defined by gable roofs. The building displays two separate and identical front entrances with sidelights, placed either side of the front steps leading onto the verandah and promoting the notion that the house may have originally been divided internally and used as holiday accommodation for two families. The verandah extends across the front and down the sides of the building (with the exception of the area containing the additions), is painted white with chamfered timber posts and features a St. Andrew’s cross balustrade. Although additions and alterations have taken place since c1970s, the façade of The Retreat presents largely in its original form. DESCRIPTION The Retreat fronts the west side of Bussell Highway, Busselton and is located approximately 80 metres south of the main intersection of Albert Street and Queen Street; and the entrance to Busselton. Queen Street is the main commercial thoroughfare in Busselton and Albert Street was the main road to Dunsborough and Yallingup, prior to the construction about 10 years ago of the ring road that skirts the town. The place is bordered by Go Geo Vehicle Hire to the north, a commercial property in the manner of a c1930s bungalow (currently empty) to the south and situated across the road from BP Busselton service station and Paradise Motel. The building is placed well back from the street, with a long driveway and large numbers of designated bitumised parking bays and brick footpaths crisscrossing the area and replacing the original lawned area. The fences are made up of a variety of contemporary styles and materials. Two large palm trees c1920 situated in front of the house and one close to the boundary fence to the south remain extant and contribute to the aesthetic value of the place; the remainder of the garden has been re-planted in a contemporary manner. The Retreat is a single storey stucco masonry building with zincalume roof, in Federation Italianate style, situated in a prominent position close to the main street of Busselton. The hipped roof is steeply pitched and features gables, finials and chimneys with corniced chimney-caps. It is symmetrically arranged with the bay windows at the east and west of ends of the front façade that are defined by gable roofs. The building displays two separate and identical front entrances (with sidelights), placed either side of the front steps leading onto the verandah and promoting the notion that the house may have originally been divided internally and used by two families. A verandah extends around the building (with the exception of the area containing the additions) with chamfered timber posts and a St. Andrew’s cross balustrade all painted white. The building appears to be well maintained with the exception of a small section of guttering on the north side of the Laboratory that requires replacement. A single-story structure housing Western Diagnostic Pathology adjoins the main building. Access to these business premises exists from the end of the verandah on the north side of the main building as well as from a pathway down the side of the main structure, up steps and through a diagonally placed entry onto the verandah close to the entrance. The architectural style of this structure is similar to the main house (now housing the doctors’ surgeries) and it is possible that it was probably part of the original construction. The interior of the main building has been greatly altered since its adaptation to commercial use and the original layout is now not obvious. The front reception room appears to have been enlarged, possibly by the opening up of two separate living rooms and contains a large free standing counter. Other space adapted for use includes areas created as consultation rooms; waiting rooms; a second reception area; large treatment area along with a staff room and storage facilities. Part of the original verandah, which ran along the back of the building was removed during the c2002 additions and has been replaced by a curved feature ceiling interpreted by Kent Lyon, architect to represent the removed feature. As well, original verandah posts deemed to be beyond repair, were replaced and these were then set into the new walls as a means of interpreting the original verandah profile. Building plans outlining the additions and alterations undertaken in c2002 have been included in the Appendix The remnant built fabric appears to be in good condition. The areas not affected by the various periods of adaptation, generally retain their original ceiling roses, skirting boards, architraves, fireplace surrounds; while an ornate archway featuring a plaster ‘cherub’ defining the ‘front’ rooms from the less important areas of the original house exhibits as a dominant feature. The detailing of the joinery appears to be more prominent at the front of the house (as expected) and two double hung sashed bay windows remain intact and add to the aesthetic values of the place both internally and externally. Many original four panelled doors with bolection moulding and displaying round-topped decorative features (some with opaque glass inserts) in the late Victorian manner remain in-situ. The timber floorboards are not visible and the floors are covered in commercial vinyl in most areas with the exception of the consultancy rooms, which are carpeted. The verandahs have grano flooring and masonry footings.

History

Assessment 2010 Construction date c1890 Architect/designer: attributed to HC Ashton, Addition alteration c 2002 Kent Lyon Builder not known Alterations/additions: 1975, 1991, c2002 Original Use : holiday house Current use: medical Centre, laboratory HISTORICAL OVERVIEW The Retreat was built in c1890 for Messrs Byfield, Allpike & Ashton as a holiday house. Approximately 13 years later, in 1903 ownership changed hands for the first of many times, when it was purchased by the Barnard family. The place was to remain in the hands of the Barnard family for 63 years until it was sold to the Paradise Motel in 1966 when it was considered for demolition by them in order to expand the existing Motel business situated across the road. During the 1970s the building fell into a state of disrepair and was again threatened with demolition. The Retreat was sold to Woolworths Pty Ltd, who purchased the land in 1975 pending the development of a supermarket. During this period the supermarket chain Coles made the decision to establish a large store in Busselton and the development of The Retreat site by Woolworths Pty Ltd for a supermarket was put on hold. The place was then sold to Dr Robert Jarvis who proceeded to construct extensive renovations in order to create suitable premises for use as doctors’ surgeries and to provide extra rooms for commercial lease. In 1984 Dr Jarvis sold the property to Keith Howard, car dealer who bought it as an investment and developed adjoining land (to the north) as a second hand car yard. The Retreat was resold in c1990 to a group of Doctors who applied an adaptive re-use programme to enable expansion of their business and carried out major extensions to the place in 1991 and again in c2002. In 2009 The Retreat remains the premises of Busselton Medical Centre and Western Diagnostic Pathology. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS The Retreat is a substantially intact example in the Victorian Italianate style, symmetrical with steeply pitched roof and articulated with gables, finials and chimneys with corniced chimney caps. A search on the HCWA Places Database has identified 23 places as ‘Victorian Italianate’, (1 place in Busselton) and 31 places as ‘Federation Italianate’, (2 places in Busselton) in architectural style. In the database, the Weld Institute, 13 Queen Street Busselton Place No: 00404, c1874-2005 has been described as Victorian Italianate. The Retreat has been listed in the Places Database No. 00422 as Federation Italianate and the description notes that ‘the building has some stylistic similarities to 58 West Street’ Busselton on Place No. 05328. St Mary’s Church Rectory, 41 Peel Terrace Busselton c1895, Place No. 18163 has been listed as Federation Italianate. The Busselton Municipal Heritage Inventory (2005) lists Place Number: PN045 ‘Silver Chain Administration Offices’ at 58 West Street, Busselton c1900. It is described as Federation Italianate in style and no architect has been nominated in the assessment documentation. Although on a smaller scale, 58 West Street c1900, appears to closely represent The Retreat in its architectural design genre. The Retreat is considered to be an excellent example of the Federation Italianate style HISTORY In 1834 the Bussell brothers and others arrived by boat at Geographe Bay from Augusta where they had originally settled in 1830 on the recommendation of Governor Stirling. The Chapman brothers and two soldiers who travelled overland from Augusta met them there. Augusta was heavily forested and unsuitable for farming and the open pastures of the Vasse had impressed John Bussell. He applied for a land grant on the east side of the Vasse River and the brothers set about establishing a dwelling, which would be named ‘Cattle Chosen’.3 The remainder of the family then joined them. In 1835 the settlement was named Busselton in their honour. Fanny Bussell recorded that ‘we should have liked it to be called “Capel”, but the name was given at Perth without our knowledge.’4 In 1836 Lieutenant Bunbury had the townsite of Busselton planned and surveyed. By 1839, Surveyor Henry Ommaney had laid out the Busselton townsite and by June 1847 the Vasse settlement was officially gazetted as ‘Busselton’.5 Early growth in the Vasse area was limited as settlers struggled against the odds to become self-sufficient. Later their subsistence lifestyles were supplemented by the opportunities to work in the whaling and timber industries, which provided some income for many of the locals. At the same time the establishment of government infrastructure served to improve local conditions. Included in the developments were the construction of the Gulch (bonding store), a post office at the Vasse in 1842 (later a post and telegraph office in 1871) and a gaol in Strelley Street. A bridge was built across the Vasse River, erected by local citizens to open communications for the settlers with the new St Mary’s church erected in the townsite in c1844. A Town Trust operated within the boundaries of the Vasse district from the c1850s and soon after convict labour fuelled a local development programme that included further government infrastructure and the construction of several substantial buildings. In 1871 the Busselton Municipal was declared and under the local Act, a Council was formed with an elected Mayor. However, it was almost another 20 years before the town experienced a substantial growth period. The gold boom of the 1890s in the Eastern Goldfields resulted in a huge increase in population in city centres and economic well-being. Busselton’s location on Geographe Bay, its beaches and mild weather, would prove an attractive destination for holiday-makers. The general prosperity in Busselton was marked by the building of a new two-storeyed hospital in 1896 and a new Courthouse with Police Quarters, constructed in 1897. Substantial residences built about the same time were ‘St Davitts’ for Mr FW Cammilleri (1903), ‘Ithaca’ (1897 and 1904) now ‘Villa Carlotta’ and The Retreat for Messrs Byfield, Allpike & Ashton as a holiday house for themselves in c1890. Research into the history of Messrs Byfield, Allpike & Ashton proved difficult and little information surfaced regarding the full names, addresses or occupations of the original owners. Byfield and Allpike are both associated with land near Mundaring Weir. John Allpike was the manager of Walter Padbury’s store in Guildford. He purchased land in the Helena Valley in the early 1880s. Frederick W. Byfield also purchased land in this area at the same time. However, it is likely that the Byfield referred to is Edward George Byfield, Frederick’s brother. Edward, together with Rysley secured the government contract to construct the Boyanup-Minninup Railway Line that was completed in 1893. The first reference sourced in the Busselton Rates Books (1898-1906) for the place on lots 116 &117 Albert Street appears as an entry for ‘dwelling’ owned by G.W. Barnard in 1903 with a value of £140, which may be considered a large amount of money at that time. The Rates Books identified Mr H.C. Ashton as the owner in 1899 of Lots 48-52 Marine and Adelaide Sts, Busselton and as he was listed in the records as an architect, the possibility exists that he may have also been one of the owners and the designer/builder of The Retreat. Approximately 13 years after The Retreat was built in c1890, the ownership changed hands for the first of many times, when it was purchased by the Barnard family. The place became the joint residence of Mr GW Barnard Snr, his bachelor son Charles, his daughter Patience as well as his married son George William Barnard Jnr his wife Eliza Jane Bovell and their family of two sons and four daughters. The place was to remain in the hands of the Barnard family for 63 years. George William Barnard Snr (always referred to as ‘the boss’) was born in Perth 12.5.1839 and died Busselton 21.1.1930. With his first wife Martha Minion he had two sons Charles Minion Barnard and George William Barnard Jnr. With his second wife Marcia (nee Dawson) he had one living daughter Patience Evelyn. George William Barnard Snr. was a foundation pupil of Perth Boys School, but left at age 10 and minded sheep at York. He moved to Busselton in his twenties, attracted to the area because of the prospects in the timber industry and quickly realised the business potential of the Busselton District. He built a store and started trading under the Barter System taking his two sons into partnership with him and trading as GW Barnard & Sons before building the Freemason’s Hotel (replacing an earlier Freemason’s Hotel c1850). The Inquirer dated 30 October 1889 notes that ‘after a long delay Mr Barnard has made a commencement on his new building. It will have a frontage of two streets namely Queen St and Albert St and stand at the corner of the allotment’. Mr Barnard was a foundation member of the Sussex Lodge of Freemasons. In 1903 he purchased property in Albert Street that included The Retreat and leased the Hotel but continued operating the store. Later his sons sold out of the store and re-occupied the hotel. The small store, which had been added became part of the licensed premises and was later converted into a bottle shop. The name of the hotel was changed at this point to the Commercial Hotel, although it was managed by Sydney Hedley and popularly known as Barnard’s Hotel. The property in Albert Street owned by the Barnard family extended to the Queen Street intersection and several buildings were later constructed on this site. Daughter Mrs Rin Ryan (nee Barnard) who lived at The Retreat until she was married at 25 years of age confirms this when she stated that ‘we used to have a lot of land around the house down to Prince Street and across to Queen Street’. Barnard’s Hall c1901-3, situated in Albert Street close to The Retreat was used for meetings, children’s balls, the Firemen’s ball, boxing tournaments, darts finals and even log chops were common events inside the building. The Congregational Church used the hall as their place of worship and the hall began operating as a movie theatre from as early as 1914. Barnard’s hall was demolished in 1964. Interestingly, Barnard’s yard (opposite the Commercial Hotel) was an area used during the 1920s and 1930s to place a merry-go-round for community use, due to the fact that there was insufficient room for them to operate at the time on the local showgrounds. George William Barnard Jnr. was the first of a second generation born in Western Australia to represent the town and district in the State Legislature and was MLA for Sussex from 1924 for 19½ years. He was a member of the Busselton Municipal Council, a councillor and Mayor of Busselton for 2½ years, member of Fire Brigade and Agricultural Society, Justice of the Peace (1910), actively involved with the Anglican Church as the people’s Warden and ‘almost every other public and social movement for nearly forty years’. On the death of George Jnr., who was killed in a car accident, the property passed to his eldest daughter Miss Marjorie Barnard. She was a nurse and in the late 1940s became the Matron of the Busselton District Hospital. The Retreat remained in the hands of the Barnard family for 63 years until it was sold to the Paradise Motel in 1966 when it was considered for demolition in order to expand the existing Motel business situated across the road. During the 1960s and 1970s the building was in a state of disrepair and a report dated February 7, 1975 states that the building ‘appears solid but vandals have smashed most windows, verandah railings etc. reputed to be condemned by Council and threatened with demolition.’ The option to demolish was not followed through by the owners of the Paradise Motel and The Retreat was sold instead to Woolworths Pty Ltd, who purchased the land pending the development of a supermarket. At the same time, the supermarket chain Coles was to establish a large store in Busselton in 1975 and the development of the site was again put on hold. Later in 1975, The Retreat was sold to Dr Robert Jarvis who then proceeded to undertake extensive renovations in an effort to create suitable commercial premises for use as doctors’ surgeries and to provide rooms for lease by other professionals. The adaptive reuse of the house was seen by Dr Jarvis to be a solution to the problem that the Busselton hospital and medical centre were situated approximately 3 km out of town. The Retreat would provide a medical facility close to the town centre. By 1977 The Retreat building housed an accountant’s office, a branch of the Busselton Health Centre and a clinical laboratory. On 24 March 1977 it was reported in the local newspaper that a fire in The Retreat caused damage of $2,000. ‘The damage was caused when a fire in an old open fireplace burnt through the mortar and set alight a cupboard in an adjoining room which backed on to the chimney.’ Dr Jarvis sold the property in 1984 to Keith Howard, car dealer who bought it as an investment and developed adjoining land to the north as a second hand car yard. The Retreat was resold to a group of Doctors in c1990; and the registered proprietors are listed in 1993 as Robert Baden Jarvis, John Roger Boston, Michael John Peterkin, K.J. Cullen Pty Ltd, John Douglas Caldow, and Gary Michael Tapper as tenants in common in equal shares. The group of doctors collectively used the place to house medical surgeries and a clinical laboratory. In 1991 work was carried out at the site and a quotation was received for $34,095 covering an addition to the Laboratory at the rear of the Doctor’s Offices and re-alignment of driveway and installation of new parking bays. In c2002 major extensions to the place were undertaken to enable a further expansion of the business. The rear verandah structure was removed and a large addition provided extra consultancy rooms, a second reception area and waiting area, kitchen, toilet, large treatment area and extended area for the laboratory. The additions drawn up by Kent Lyon, architect display a sensitivity towards the aesthetic values of the place and are not generally visible from Albert Street. At the same time however it proved necessary to remove a large palm tree at the rear of the original structure to allow for the planned extensions. During this work period, the car parking at the front of The Retreat was realigned to allow more car space and the two large and visually prominent palms were left standing at the front of the house adding significantly to the streetscape value of the place. The original site has been subdivided and greatly reduced; and the lots now contain a variety of businesses including an antique shop, several real estate agents, Go Geo Southwest vehicle hire depot and a contemporary movie theatre. However the location of the place has made it a target for vandalism after hours. Recent incidents include the demolition of a contemporary limestone fence with fence posts, damage to verandah balustrade and rubbish thrown onto the roof. In 2009 The Retreat remains the premises of Busselton Medical Centre and Western Diagnostic Pathology

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Doll's House

Condition

The place is in fair condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

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.

Physical Description

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.

History

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.

Archaeology

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.

Integrity/Authenticity

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.

Condition

Fair

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House, 7 Albert Street

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building has significance as a rare example of an extant workers cottage in the Busselton area.

Physical Description

Albert Street is a single storey shop with a hipped roof. An enclosed verandah sits to the front of the building. The underlying building has a steeply pitched roof that suggests that the roof was originally clad with shingles. The verandah in its present form is a much later addition. Recent refurbishment has brightened the place with a new coat of bright and contrasting paint colours. As such, the building provides an interesting visual counterpoint along the commercial streetscape of Albert Street.

History

The building was originally constructed as attached workers cottages (i.e.: a duplex). It is believed that the building had an earth floor.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place retains a moderate degree of integrity. The place retains a moderate degree of authenticity; structural modifications are capable of being reversed to return to the original building concept.

Condition

Good

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Ship Hotel

Parent Place or Precinct

00420 Ship Hotel & Site

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Ship Hotel, a brick stucco and iron Federation Filigree hotel building and Victorian Georgian stables building, has cultural heritage significance as an important Busselton landmark building and a fine example of the style and period. The place also contains an important early Victorian Georgian set of stables. It has been an important social gathering place since its construction and it contributes to the community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

Two storey hotel building and single storey stables, with late twentieth century accommodation units to the southern side of the main buildings. The extant hotel is a single and two storey painted brick, stucco and iron building in the Federation Filigree style, with a cantilevered verandah at first floor, hipped roof and gabled features. To the rear there is stone barn or stables with a gabled roof. Other substantial additions include a bottle shop to the west and brick construction bedrooms to the south of the 1910 building.

History

Joseph Bovell arrived in Western Australia on 20 October 1859 aboard the West Australian with his wife Elizabeth Burnside and son. He was later to become the proprietor of the Ship Hotel. A later hotel built around 1910 stands on the site of the original Ship Hotel, while the stables to the original building have survived. Subsequently in the course of the twentieth century, numerous changes and additions have taken place including a drive in bottle shop, accommodation units and a pool. The Original Ship Inn, previously known as the Ship Tavern was single storey and constructed from limestone with shingle roof in 1847 by George Guerrier. The original Inn was situated on this site but behind the second and extant Ship Hotel. The Victorian/Georgian limestone barn/stables remains intact situated to the west of the original building. The position for the Tavern was chosen due to it being situated on the main thoroughfare from the beach to ‘Cattle Chosen’ and ‘Fairlawn’ and was on the westward route to Dunsborough and Castle Bay.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The place is in use for its intended purpose and retains a moderate degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place has been the subject of numerous changes and retains a moderate degree of authenticity. Moderate Degree/Moderate Degree

Condition

Good

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Ship Hotel & Site

Child Places

• 18177 Ship Hotel
• 18178 Ship Hotel Stables

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 18177 Ship Hotel
• 18178 Ship Hotel Stables

Statement of Significance

The Ship Hotel, a brick stucco and iron Federation Filigree hotel building and Victorian Georgian stables building, has cultural heritage significance as an important Busselton landmark building and a fine example of the style and period. The place also contains an important early Victorian Georgian set of stables. It has been an important social gathering place since its construction and it contributes to the community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

Two storey hotel building and single storey stables, with late twentieth century accommodation units to the southern side of the main buildings. A large Victorian Georgian style limestone stable/barn with a steeply pitched roof. The building is constructed of hand‐hewn limestone, with windows in the long walls and doors and hayloft door in the gable end. The openings are supported on timber lintels. It has a lean‐to structure on the south and a timber pergola to the north.

History

Joseph Bovell arrived in Western Australia on 20 October 1859 aboard the West Australian with his wife Elizabeth Burnside and son. He was later to become the proprietor of the Ship Hotel.A later hotel built around 1910 stands on the site of the original Ship Hotel, while the stables to the original building have survived. Subsequently in the course of the twentieth century, numerous changes and additions have taken place including a drive in bottle shop, accommodation units and a pool. The Original Ship Inn, previously known as the Ship Tavern was single storey and constructed from limestone with shingle roof in 1847 by George Guerrier.The original Inn was situated on this site but behind the second and extant Ship Hotel.The Victorian/Georgian limestone barn/stables remains intact situated to the west of the original building.The position for the Tavern was chosen due to it being situated on the main thoroughfare from the beach to ‘Cattle Chosen’ and ‘Fairlawn’ and was on the westward route to Dunsborough and Castle Bay.

Archaeology

As the site has been occupied for an extended period of time, the place is likely to have archaeological potential.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place is in use for its intended purpose and retains a moderate degree of integrity. The place has been the subject of numerous changes and retains a moderate degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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Ship Hotel Stables

Parent Place or Precinct

00420 Ship Hotel & Site

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The stable/barn at the Ship Hotel, a Victorian Georgian stables building, has cultural heritage significance as an important Busselton landmark building and a fine example of early Victorian Georgian set of stables.

Physical Description

Limestone construction gabled roof barn. A large Victorian Georgian style limestone stable/barn with a steeply pitched roof. The building is constructed of hand-hewn limestone, with windows in the long walls and doors and hayloft door in the gable end. The openings are supported on timber lintels. It has a lean-to structure on the south and a timber pergola to the north.

History

Joseph Bovell arrived in Western Australia on 20 October 1859 aboard the West Australian with his wife Elizabeth Burnside and son. He was later to become the proprietor of the Ship Hotel. A later hotel built around 1910 stands on the site of the original Ship Hotel, while the stables to the original building have survived. Subsequently in the course of the twentieth century, numerous changes and additions have taken place including a drive in bottle shop, accommodation units and a pool.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The place is used for storage, but its intent is reasonably apparent. The place retains a moderate degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place is little altered and retains a moderate to high degree of authenticity. Moderate Degree/High Degree

Condition

Good

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House

Parent Place or Precinct

00422 The Retreat

Uses

Creation Date

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Lucy Isaacs Graveyard

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

There are three generations of the Isaacs family buried at this site. Connections with Sam Isaacs of “georgette” fame and also the early timber industry in the South West Well respected and successful inter-family relationships between European women and men of American-Jewish descent, combined with aboriginal lineage coming into each new generation on both sides of the families. This monument represents the successful personal contribution of multi-cultural relations both in local families and in the community at large.

History

Assessment 1993 Out ‘in the sticks’ in an isolated, hard to find spot, four white posts help guide the searcher through the bush to the site of three lonely graves. They are located where the second timber mill at Yallingup Siding stood. Remains of an old wooden fence lie on the ground around the comparatively recent natural stone memorial. This is about 60 Cm high with plaque attached and has been erected and cemented to the ground. Articles appearing in the ‘Margaret District Times’ in May 1957 report – While working in the vicinity of the old Quindalup Mill, three employees of Mr X.D. Power, well known Busselton timber miller, found three old graves. They were only mounds but at one time there had been wooden railings, the remains of which were visible. In one of these forgotten graves lies buried Mrs Lucy Isaacs, who was the wife of Sam Isaacs, who is still remembered by many for his part in the saving of so many lives from the ship “Georgette”. Sam Isaacs was born in Augusta in c. 1845. His father, Sam of part American negro and Jewish descent jumped ship in Albany from an American whaling boat. He met an aboriginal woman and Sam Isaacs Jr was their only child. Mrs Isaacs died in November 1893 (the plaque reads 1883). Another grave situated alongside was that of her baby who died just before the mother. The third grave was that of Mrs Mattie Purvis, who died some four years later. Mrs Purvis had been married twice, being originally married to Major Lowe, who before his death was on a whaling ship. Mattie Purvis (the mother of Lucy Lowe) was English and her first husband Major James Lowe was an American soldier who had obtained his rank in the American Civil War. Lucy Lowe married Sam Isaacs at Wallcliffe, Margaret Ricer on 8 January 1870 and they had six children. In December 1876 the wreck of the coastal steamer Georgette at Caldargup (Redgate) brought world attention to the area. Sam Isaacs, then aged about 56 years, and Grace Bussell, braved rough turbulent seas to rescue survivors from the ship which had foundered off the coast. Both Sam Isaacs and Grace Bussell were awarded medals by the Royal Humane Society in recognition of their bravery and selfless courage. For many years the black and white painting of the rescue scene of passengers from the Georgette, now in the August Museum, hung in pride of place over the lounge room mantle piece in the home of Frederick Augusta Isaacs (1882 – 1956) in Margaret River.

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Statement of Significance

Lucy Isaac’s grave site, a private burial place has cultural heritage significance as the burial place of three generations of the Isaacs’ family. One of the most notable members of the family is Sam Isaac, well known for his efforts of saving the passengers of the ‘Georgette’ shipwreck. As one of the earliest Aboriginal settlers, his bravery placed a good light onto indigenous people as a social group who in the 1900s, like Sam, were still regarded as the ‘black servants’ to prominent families such as the Bussell family.

Physical Description

Three graves in a bush setting.

History

The site was originally used as a pasture but became the burying ground for three generations of the Isaacs’ family. Sam Yeseble Isaac was a renowned Aboriginal settler who worked as a stockman for the Bussell family on their Margaret River property. Lucy Isaacs’ husband, Sam was notable in the history of Busselton, in particular the timber industry. He was most well remembered for risking his life to save the passengers of the ailing ship, the ‘Georgette’ in 1876. The steam sailing ship departed from Fremantle, carrying a load of jarrah timber bound for the Eastern States only to meet with flooding problems at the ship’s hull as it approached the shores of Busselton. The heroic and quick actions of Sam together with 16–year old Grace Bussell saved many grief-stricken passengers of the shipwreck. The ‘Georgette’s rare mission to transport human cargo comprising a small group of Fenians, members of the Irish Republican Brotherhood from Fremantle to Adelaide drew worldwide attention to this incident.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/ High Degree

Condition

Good

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Site of Yarrie-Mia

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Site of ‘Yarrie-Mia’ has cultural heritage significance as the site of a once fine house and as the residence of James Savage a prominent Busselton builder who was active in the district in the second half of the 19th century.

Physical Description

Symmetrical in design it featured twin gables with corrugated iron on the roof. contained several magnificent leaded panels featuring Australian animals. The place was demolished to enable the building of Fennessy’s car yard in the early 1990s.

History

Previous home of James Savage, who was a prominent builder in the south west during the second half of the 19th Century. Built c1880s of cut limestone blocks with brick quoins and chamfered verandah posts. Born Norwich England in 1847. James arrived in Fremantle in the late 1860s after serving as a ship’s carpenter for a number of years. The property is reputed to have been given to James, who was living in Nannup, after he swam across the Blackwood and walked about 65 kilometres to Busselton to find a doctor for the Nannup Policeman’s wife, who was seriously ill. James married Hannah Grace Fordham, born Fremantle 1857. The newly married Savages took up a property about six kilometres west of town, naming the property Seaview. Several of the Savages 13 children were born at Seaview before it was burnt down. James Savage was a carpenter and wheelwright of outstanding ability and took on contracts to build houses, bridges, jetties, horse drawn carts and wagons. He worked for M.C. Davis of Karridale Timber mill and John Garrett Bussell at Cattle Chosen. He is reported to have won a contract for the Busselton Jetty extensions.

Condition

Site Only

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Busselton Vet Clinic

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Busselton Vet, a stone, stucco and iron roofed former residence in the Federation Georgian style, has cultural heritage significance as a picturesque building that retains strong aesthetic value.

Physical Description

Busselton Vet is built of random limestone blocks, with ashlar marked lime mortar to the façade. The sides comprise random stone. The house has a hipped roof with chamfered verandah posts. The front windows have a fixed top light with a double casement below – from a distance they appear similar to sash windows. There are stucco quoins and a full width front verandah carried on stop-chamfered posts. A large addition from the 1990s to the rear relates to the place’s use as a veterinary clinic. A large peppermint tree obscures views of part of the front of the place.

History

The house was built at the same time as and by the same builder, John Muir, as Paisley Cottage (37 Bussell Highway). It was home to the Finlayson family for many years.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate Degree/Good Degree Integrity Notes: The place remains legible as a house and retains a moderate degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place has been altered in a number of ways including a large addition, but retains a good deal of authentic fabric.

Condition

Good

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Drive-in Cinema

Condition

The place is in excellent condition, having been maintained by the same owners from its construction to the present day.

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Busselton Drive-In Theatre has cultural heritage significance as a rare surviving example that grew quickly throughout Western Australia in the immediate Post World War II period and has since has almost disappeared as a class of place.

Physical Description

Drive‐In Theatre. Set in a beautifully landscaped garden, the Drive-in Cinema is enclosed within stonewall and steel fence.

History

Nil

Integrity/Authenticity

The place retains a high degree of integrity. The place retains a high degree of authenticity. The majority of the fabric is in its original state, with the exception of the screen, which was originally of timber frame construction on steel supports set into concrete blocks. The timber was replaced in July 2002 with steel as a result of storm damage in the same month.

Condition

The place is in excellent condition, having been maintained by the same owners from its construction to the present day.

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Broadwater Wetlands (part)

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Recognised as important freshwater wetlands providing essential habitat, feeding and nesting areas for many species, particularly migratory water birds. Protected pursuant to the Environmental Protection Act as a Swan Coastal Plain wetland. A landmark natural feature. The wildlife attracted to the wetlands creates interest to the community and tourists alike.

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'Reinscourt' Homestead (site of)

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Reinscourt, a historic site, has cultural heritage significance as part of the original Cattle Chosen subdivision and its associations with the Bussell family, one of the pioneer families in the district. It remains to be one of the earliest homesteads in the district and is closely related to ‘Cattle Chosen’, another Bussell homestead built in 1834-1836.

Physical Description

Site of Reinscourt Homestead. Not inspected

History

‘Reinscourt’ Homestead was initially part of the original subdivision of ‘Cattle Chosen’ and built by Vernon Bussell. Construction of ‘Cattle Chosen’ was carried out in 1834-36. Following its completion in 1836, all of the Bussell family migrated from England to Augusta. This marked a mass migration of other settlers to the Vasse River area.

Integrity/Authenticity

Not Applicable Not Applicable

Condition

Not inspected

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Busselton-Boyanup Rail Line

Child Places

• 26116 Ludlow River Railway Bridge
• 26117 Abba River Railway Bridge

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 26116 Ludlow River Railway Bridge
• 26117 Abba River Railway Bridge

Statement of Significance

Busselton-Boyanup Rail Line has cultural heritage significance for its historic value in the development of the local timber and dairy industry.

Physical Description

Historic railway route, remains of the railway line can still be seen.

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Old WA Government Railway Precinct

Child Places

• 00408 Railway Employee Quarters site
• 00407 Busselton Railway Station

Uses

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Child Places

• 00408 Railway Employee Quarters site
• 00407 Busselton Railway Station

Statement of Significance

The Busselton Railway Precinct has cultural heritage significance for its historic value and its role as part of a transport system linking the region to its port.

Physical Description

The railway precinct includes the site of the former railway station; railway goods shed site, residence - (single men’s quarters), the railway line, locomotive shed, and station masters house. Some sections of track, a crossing over the Vasse River and a railway workers cottage remain on the site. The railway station has been relocated to reserve 2236 (lot 41). The railway line exists over part of the reserve. There are few remaining features apart from some track, a works cottage and the relocated timber construction station building.

History

The area included marshalling yards, a bridge over the Vasse River, station, goods shed, quarters, locomotive shed, station master’s house and permanent way. The station was removed and relocated to its present site and almost all of the buildings and infrastructure removed.

Archaeology

There is likely to be archaeological evidence of railway activity in a number of locations along the route. The less disturbed the site the higher thearchaeological potential.

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Railway Bridge, Bussell Highway near Busselton

Condition

Bridge is in poor condition, the decking has failed and is an extreme risk to the public due to its high visibility. PTA recommends the removal or permanent barricading of the bridge. Warning signs are also recommended.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Slab Cottage Group, Quindalup

Condition

The place is in good condition, undergoing restoration and conversion into a cafe in 2000.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Slab Cottage has cultural heritage significance, as it remains one of the few 19th century residences that are clad with split timber slabs and characterises vernacular cottages design during the colonial period. At a macro level, the group of buildings exemplify a well-designed integrative design. The place is significant for its close association with the Quindalup timber mill and jetty. The oldest buildings serve as a reminder of the once bustling district that had a substantial population. Historical significance is also derived for the place’s links to the operations of customs and the police during Quindalup’s early life. In today’s context, the cottage contributes to a community’s sense of place. Furthermore, the buildings are linked to the Harwood family, early settlers of the region. John Harwood (B. 1840) and wife were among the first settlers and he was said to teach at the neighbouring school. William Harwood (b. 1870) was a member of Quindalup Social Club in the 1930s. At a micro level, the internal planning of the cottage demonstrates a now defunct way of life. The Quindalup Post Office was significant in its role of providing postal and telephone services in the area between 1923 and 1966. The barn and government building represent colonial masonry work and construction detailing.

Physical Description

Slab Cottage comprises a split timber slab and weatherboard cottage, a freestanding weatherboard kitchen, a three room limestone and iron building (known as the government building) and a three sided rubble limestone barn. The Slab Cottage has a plain, unadorned and symmetrical façade topped by a spreading hipped roof. It is designed in Colonial style with a prominent front verandah. The patina of age that has accumulated on the exterior of the barn and Government Building contributes to a rich layering of colours and texture that not only speaks of the buildings’ age but merges well with the surroundings.

History

The buildings were close associated with the growth of the timber industry and the Quindalup jetty. Early evidence shows that the outbuildings were used as a bond store and a lock-up. During the period from 1923 to 1966, the Quindalup Post Office and telephone exchange centre were established on the site. The Harwood family, pioneers in the district occupied the Slab Cottage for approximately 100 years. They played a pro-active role in the local community development including managing the district’s post office and telephone exchange.

Archaeology

The place contains potential archaeological findings that may shed light on the early domestic ways of the rural working class, in particular European settlers of the 19th century. Some of the artefacts include 19th and early 20th century ceramics and glassware in close proximity to the cottage.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degre/Moderate Degree Integrity Notes: The Slab Cottage retains a high degree of integrity despite some changes to the western perimeter rooms. The kitchen building is in poor condition. The government building and barn are also in poor condition. The roof is also in poor condition due to neglect. Authenticity Notes: The place retains a moderate degree of authenticity, as although most of the original fabric remains intact with the finishes in deteriorated state, there have been considerable alterations to the building. The internal linings of the western rooms, weatherboards on the eastern side and corrugated iron roof were replaced. The ground level at the front of the cottage has been lowered, window sashes reconstructed and new electrical connections installed.

Condition

The place is in good condition, undergoing restoration and conversion into a café in 2000.

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Group 40 Memorial

Condition

The plaque is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

Group 40 Memorial has cultural heritage significance as it commemorates all those whose were part of the Group 30 Group Settlement Scheme.

Physical Description

Sponsored by the Bunbury Port Authority, the plaque was erected to commemorate the bravery of early settlers to the region in the 1930s. It is made from concrete and has all the names on a cast bronze plaque

History

Historical Notes: WA was the only state to push ahead with a vigorous scheme of land settlement tied to immigration, both being government sponsored. Immigrants were given the chance to settle either on eastern wheat farms or on dairy farms in the undeveloped districts of the south-western region. Group settlers arrived in the area between 1920-30. A district office for Agricultural Bank opened at Busselton on 8 May1923. The loans Department of Agriculture was a special fund administered by the Lands Department to provide loans recorded as average £50 per dwelling. The money was advanced for clearing and fencing of land. Theoretically, a group settler was deemed to be self-supporting when he was able to maintain a herd of 10 cows – the estimated limit for 25 acres of pasture. The Honourable Sir James Mitchell was the principal architect of the Group Settlement Scheme, to develop the south-western portion of the State by establishing dairy farms in that area, which was inaugurated in WA in 1921. On 2 February 1923, by virtue of an agreement between the British, the Commonwealth and the WA Governments, the State undertook to settle in the South-West division about 75,000 migrants (men, women and children) from the United Kingdom over 3 years and to establish about 6000 selected men from among these migrants on about 600 farms in the division. The Scheme provided that these selected migrants were to be placed in groups of 20 or more under supervision. Each group was to clear or partially clear 25 acres on each farm. The group was also to erect the house and necessary outbuildings on each farm, put up fencing and arrange for a satisfactory water supply. Advances for sustenance at a rate not exceeding 10/- per day were to be made to settlers whilst engaged in clearing and the State was to provide the material for all buildings, fencing, etc. besides providing reasonable equipment and stock. The farms, when cleared to the extent of 25 acres, were to be allotted to members of the group by ballot. Of the first 16 groups organised, 9 were in the Busselton district, giving impetus primarily to the dairy industry. The Group Settlements afforded primitive and isolated living conditions, and the results were varying degrees of measured success and a high proportion of failure. All settlers were affected by the world-wide downturn in agricultural produce prices during the 1930’s and many Group Settlement blocks were left idle, pastured but neglected.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Degree/High Degree Integrity Notes: The place retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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Fairlawn Lane Crossing

Uses

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Statement of Significance

Fairlawn Lane Crossing, a low water level river crossing point is significant as an early river crossing point for early Busselton district settlers, prior to the construction of bridges.

Physical Description

Natural river crossing point, the river bed is of rock at this point. No built features.

History

An early river crossing point for early settlers before the construction of a bridge crossing when water levels were low. The corner of Fairlawn Road and Strelly Street is the site of the original gaol c1830s close to and on the other side of the river to Fairlawn, the home of Colonel Molloy, the first Busselton Magistrate. This is believed to have been the area of the centre of the government authority before The Gulch (Customs officer’s house and police station) was built (now rear of 22 Kent St Busselton) and the building of the gaol and courthouse in c1850.

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House, 31 Duchess Street

Condition

The place is in good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

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Statement of Significance

House 31 Duchess Street, a brick, limestone and iron residence in the Federation Bungalow style residence has cultural heritage significance as a fine and relatively intact example of the style.

Physical Description

Single storey brick and limestone and iron house. The house was built c1900. No. 31, Duchess Street is Federation Bungalow style residence constructed with random and coursed limestone with brick quoins to the front door and windows. It is topped by a hipped roof, punctured by a galvanised iron flue and chimney. French bay windows flank the main entrance and project onto the verandah, thereby emphasizing the entry statement. The verandah posts appear to have been replaced with brick pillars. A fibro cement clad addition to the side of the building diminishes the building’s authenticity. The lawn appears to be unkempt presumably due to neglect and the house displays a considerable problem with damp. The block on lot 64 originally ran through from Duchess St to Adelaide St. The rates book from 1896 shows all of the blocks in Duchess St on this side of the road ran through to Adelaide St with a lane way servicing night carts ran dividing the middle of the blocks. This lane was, in part resumed by the Shire of Busselton in 2000, however the lane in the area behind these buildings is extant.

History

Nil

Integrity/Authenticity

The place retains a high degree of integrity. The place retains a high degree of authenticity.

Condition

Good

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