Calthorpes' House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Calthorpes' House |
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| General information | |
| Status | Used as a museum |
| Type | Residence |
| Address | 24 Mugga Way |
| Town or city | Red Hill, ACT |
| Country | Australia |
| Completed | 1927 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Ken Oliphant |
| Architecture firm | Oakley and Parkes |
| Official name: Calthorpes House | |
| Designated: | 25 March 1986 |
| Reference #: | 13374 |
Calthorpes' House is a special old house in Red Hill, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. It is a "heritage-listed" building, which means it's important to history. Today, it is a museum where you can learn about life in the 1920s.
Contents
A Glimpse into the Past
Calthorpes' House was built in 1927. It was designed by an architect named Ken Oliphant. His firm, Oakley and Parkes, also designed The Lodge. That's where the Prime Minister of Australia lives! Another architect, Sir Charles Rosenthal, was first chosen to design the house, but his plans were not used.
Who Lived Here?
The house was built for Harry and Dell Calthorpe. Harry Calthorpe was a successful businessman. He helped people buy and sell land and animals in Queanbeyan.
Harry Calthorpe passed away in 1950 when he was 59. Dell Calthorpe continued to live in the house until she died in 1979.
Life in the 1920s
The house and everything inside it stayed almost the same for many years. This makes Calthorpes' House like a time capsule! It shows what daily life was like for a family in Canberra in the late 1920s. The Calthorpes were a family of four. Their house was a three-bedroom home. It was a bit larger than most houses back then.
Hidden Shelter
Behind the house, there is an old air raid shelter. This shelter was built during the war. People were worried about bombs hitting Canberra. The shelter is still there today. It reminds us of a different time.
Becoming a Museum
Both the Calthorpe family and historians knew the house was very important. They saw its value for history. They thought it would make a great museum.
In 1984, the Australian Government bought the house. It opened as a museum in 1986. Calthorpes' House is still a museum today. It helps us understand how people lived almost 100 years ago.
Protecting History
Calthorpes' House is listed on important registers. It was added to the former Register of the National Estate in 1986. It was also added to the Australian Capital Territory Heritage Register in 1996. These lists help protect important historical places.
Images for kids
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Calthorpes' House in Red Hill, Canberra.
