Chesterfield Inn (Western Australia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chesterfield Inn |
|
|---|---|
The Chesterfield Inn in May 2020, with the roof restored and a security fence
|
|
| Alternative names | Chesterfield House Rockingham Arms |
| General information | |
| Type | Inn |
| Architectural style | Vernacular Queen Anne Revival style |
| Location | Chesterfield Road, East Rockingham, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | 32°15′51″S 115°46′40″E / 32.26417°S 115.77778°E |
| Official name | Chesterfield Inn (former) |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 27 June 2003 |
| Reference no. | 2325 |
| Construction started | 1855 |
The Chesterfield Inn and its old stables are special buildings in East Rockingham, Western Australia. They are listed on the State Register of Heritage Places. The Inn was built in 1855 in a classic old style called Queen Anne Revival. It is the oldest business building in its area.
This former Inn and its stables are part of the East Rockingham Heritage Precinct. This area also has other important places. These include the Bell Cottage ruin, Hymus House, and Day Cottage.
What is the Chesterfield Inn?
The Chesterfield Inn is on land that was given out very early in the Rockingham region. It is one of the oldest buildings there. It was a popular stop for people traveling between Fremantle and Mandurah.
For a short time, from 1915 to 1918, it was also the first post office in the area. The Inn was a favorite place for couples on their honeymoons. This was because it was a good distance from both Fremantle and Perth.
A Look at the Inn's Past
In 1857, a local business owner named James Herbert bought the land. He got a license for a place called the Rockingham Arms. This would later become the Chesterfield Inn. Over the years, the Inn had a few different owners.
In 1876, John Chester bought the Inn. In the 1890s, it became known as the Chesterfield Inn. John Chester later gave the Inn to his daughters, Caroline and Eliza.
The Inn was first built as a two-story building. But a fire around 1910 or 1911 badly damaged it. After the fire, it was rebuilt as a single-story building.
The Chesterfield Inn stopped being a hotel after its last owner passed away. Also, the main road moved, and new laws changed things. Even so, it kept its name. It was even featured in articles about old Western Australian homes in 1939.
The old Inn was also used by soldiers from the 10th Light Horse Regiment starting in 1912. It was a private home and a dairy farm too. In 1979, it became a youth hostel.
Another fire damaged the building in 1992. After that, it was empty for many years. Its condition got worse until 2017. Then, a company called LandCorp began fixing it up. They put up a security fence and repaired the front wall. The roof was also fixed so the building could be used again.
Why is it a Heritage Site?
The Chesterfield Inn is an important part of the East Rockingham Heritage Precinct. This area includes other places listed on the State Register of Heritage Places. Some of these are the Bell Cottage ruin, Hymus House, Day Cottage, and the Mead Homestead. There are also other old places like the East Rockingham Cemetery.
The former Inn was officially added to the State Register of Heritage Places on June 27, 2003. It is the oldest commercial building in its area.
