Argyle House, Newcastle facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fanny's Tavern
Location	Argyle Street, Newcastle, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Built	1860–
Architect	Menkens and Castleden. Designer of original cottage unknown.
Owner	MORU Propoerties Pty Ltd
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name: Fanny's Tavern; Argyle House & Site; Australian Agricultural Company Headquarters
Type	state heritage (built)
Designated	2 April 1999
Reference no.	315
Type	Inn/Tavern
Category	Commercial
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Argyle House is a very old building in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It used to be an office building and is now a popular place for events and entertainment. The first part of Argyle House was built around 1860. It was also known as the Australian Agricultural Company Headquarters for many years. This special building was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999, which means it's protected because of its history and importance.

What is Argyle House?

Argyle House is a large group of buildings connected together. It covers a whole block and faces three different streets. Over the years, parts of the inside have been changed. This was done to make it suitable for its current use as an entertainment venue. All the buildings are painted a light cream color. They have special details like label moulds in different colors.

A Look Back: Its History

The Argyle House complex has grown over about 125 years. The very first building was likely built in the 1860s. Later, a second building was added in 1903. It was designed by a famous architect named Frederick Menkens. This new building was connected to the old one by a covered walkway.

Who Built It?

More parts were added to the second building in 1907. These were designed by Frederick Menkens and F. G. Castleden. Castleden also designed more additions in 1909 and 1919. In 1912, Castleden designed a third building that was mostly separate. Some newer, flat-roofed parts were added later. These were used to help with the building's role as an entertainment spot. A small house for a caretaker, built in 1912, was taken down around 1970.

From Coal to Nightlife

For many years, Argyle House was the main office for the Australian Agricultural Company. This company was very important in Newcastle's early days. They were the main company involved in coal mining in the area from 1829 to 1847. Even after that, they kept their mining and business interests in the region. After being an office, the complex became an entertainment venue. For a long time, it was known as Fanny's Tavern. In February 2013, it went back to its original name, Argyle House.

What Does It Look Like?

The oldest part of Argyle House, built in the 1860s, is the most interesting to look at. It has a high, pointy roof with modern terracotta tiles. The walls are made of stone covered in plaster and painted. The windows have large stone sills.

The Oldest Part

The front of this old building, facing Argyle Street, is balanced on both sides. It has a central porch with a pointy roof. In the middle of this porch, there's a round wooden fan that helps air move. It's surrounded by a raised circle. A wide porch, called a verandah, goes around both street sides of the building. It has a curved, wavy metal roof. The verandah is supported by cast iron posts. It also has pretty wrought iron decorations and supports. You can see the wooden beams under the verandah roof, which are curved. Part of the verandah has been closed in with wood, but this could be easily removed. The verandah floor is made of asphalt over old stone. A wrought iron fence with pointy tops runs all around the verandah. There's also an original double gate that matches the fence. The windows are simple, with two sliding panes. You can also spot cool wrought iron vents. The stone steps leading to the porch are now covered with tiles.

Later Additions

The other early buildings match the style of the original one. They are connected by different additions. The building designed by Castleden in 1912, which faces Wharf Street, has special hooks and anchors. These might have been for an old awning. It looks like there might have been a verandah between these two buildings, similar to the 1860s one. This 1912 building also has a sloped roof. The Menkens 1903 and Castleden 1909 building has a roof that is partly sloped and partly pointy. The 1903 Menkens section has two tall, painted chimneys. The windows on the Centenary Road side of the 1909 additions are very plain. They are large windows with two sliding panes. Big fans and pipes on the roofs of the 1903-09 section and the original building could be taken away. The newer parts have lower, flat metal roofs with a curved edge facing the street. While some original wooden details remain inside, most of the interior has been changed a lot.

The building was in good condition in 2001. Some changes, like the terracotta roof tiles and the pointy porch, don't make it less important historically. However, they do change how it looks as a very old building.

Why is Argyle House Important?

Argyle House is a great example of an early Victorian cottage from the 1860s. It grew over time with many other buildings added in a similar style. It's believed to be the oldest building still standing on this spot. It might also show us how buildings were made and what materials were used a long time ago.

A Piece of History

The building is very important because of its connection to the Australian Agricultural Company. This company played a huge role in the early growth of Newcastle and the coal mining industry. It made Newcastle a center for farming and mining in the Hunter Valley. Argyle House is one of the only remaining buildings from the early days of the Australian Agricultural Company in the city center.

Famous Architects

Argyle House is also important because of its connection to the well-known architects Menkens and Castleden. They designed many of the additions and other buildings in the complex. The original features that are still there include the verandah roof, the cast-iron posts and decorations, the cast iron fence, many of the window frames, some door frames, a few doors and fanlights (small windows above doors), some original floor trims, some plaster ceilings, and at least one original fireplace. There's also a strong room door from 1907 and possibly the original stone paving under the verandah.

The main reason this property is important to the community is its links to the Australian Agricultural Company, the architects Menken and Castleden, and its key role in the early development of Newcastle.

Images for kids

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  Heritage boundaries