El Arish, Stanthorpe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids El Arish, Stanthorpe |
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El Arish, 1996
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| Location | 94 Greenup Street, Stanthorpe, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919 – 1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1880s & early 1920s – 1930s |
| Official name: El Arish | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape, archaeological, built) |
| Designated | 4 October 1996 |
| Reference no. | 601633 |
| Significant period | 1880s, 1920s-1930s (fabric, historical) 1950s-1970s (social) |
| Significant components | garden – rock / rockery, garden – ornamental/flower, wall/s – garden, residential accommodation – main house, wall/s – retaining, pathway/walkway, lookout /observation deck, lawn/s, garden – vegetable, views from, trees/plantings, garden – bed/s, gate – entrance, trellis, terracing, garden/grounds |
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El Arish is a special house and garden in Stanthorpe, Queensland, Australia. It's located at 94 Greenup Street. This unique property was built between the 1880s and the 1930s. It is so important that it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 4 October 1996, meaning it's protected for future generations to enjoy.
Contents
A Look Back: The Story of El Arish
Early Beginnings: A Market Garden
Stanthorpe first grew because of tin mining in the 1870s. Later, when the tin ran out, the town became known for its market gardens. In 1878, Karl Wilhelm Scholz bought the land where El Arish now stands. He came from Germany and started a successful market garden.
By 1890, Scholz had cleared the land and planted vegetables. He also built fences and terraces, which are like flat steps on a hillside. Even though the land had big granite rocks, his garden did very well. He even won awards for his produce at local shows!
The Chauvel Family and Their Summer Home
In 1919, Isabella Chauvel bought the property. She was married to Major Allan Chauvel. They owned a large farm called Summerlands in the Fassifern Valley. They bought the Stanthorpe property to have a cooler place to stay during the summer.
Soon after, the Chauvels moved a small house to its current spot at El Arish. Stanthorpe was becoming a popular holiday spot. People came to enjoy the fresh air and escape city life. The railway, which reached Wallangarra in 1920, made it easier for visitors to arrive.
A Name with a Story: El Arish
The Chauvels named their new home "El Arish." This name has a special meaning. Allan Chauvel was a Major in the First World War. He fought alongside his brother, Henry Chauvel, in the Middle East.
In 1917, after a big battle, Allan's Light Horse Brigade found themselves without water. They returned to a small village called El Arish to rest and celebrate their victory. "El Arish" is an Arabic word meaning "place of rest." It was the perfect name for the Chauvel family's peaceful summer home.
Charles Chauvel: A Filmmaker's Connection
Allan and Isabella Chauvel had five children. Their second son, Charles Chauvel, became a famous Australian filmmaker. He and his wife, Elsa, helped start the Australian film industry in the 1920s and 1930s.
Charles helped his mother, Isabella, design the beautiful garden at El Arish. He even brought special gate fittings from America for the garden. He also built many of the stone walls you can still see there today.
Creating the Wonderful Garden
The Chauvels worked hard to create their amazing garden. They kept some parts of Scholz's old market garden, like a Williams pear tree and some Isabella grapevines. These grapevines were said to have been brought from France by Scholz!
Isabella and Charles designed the garden to use the natural hills and granite rocks. They wanted visitors to have different experiences as they walked through the garden. There are quiet, enclosed spots and open areas with great views. Paths lead you through different sections, ending at a lookout with views over Stanthorpe.
The garden at El Arish shows ideas from English Arts and Crafts gardens, which were popular at the time. These gardens often had "wild" sections, used different types of plants, and featured rock gardens. They also used local stone for walls and had many paths and terraces.
The House and Its Changes
The house itself was an important part of the garden's design. It was a light timber building with verandahs, perfect for summer. Over time, the house was changed. Parts were removed, and verandahs were enclosed to make it warmer for winter.
Isabella Chauvel eventually moved to El Arish permanently. After her death in 1939, her daughter Jean Chauvel took over the property. Jean had to sell off parts of the land to help with costs.
El Arish and the Community
During World War II, El Arish was used to house several families. Jean Chauvel later returned and, in 1957, opened the first kindergarten in the Stanthorpe area. She ran it until 1975. Many local children attended this kindergarten, so El Arish has a special connection to the community.
The current owners, David and Carey-Lee Downs, have worked hard to preserve the garden. Even though it was neglected for a while, they have helped bring it back to life.
Exploring El Arish Today
El Arish has a single-story house made of timber, with a corrugated iron roof. It sits on a hill, and from the highest point, you can see great views of Stanthorpe.
The property is divided into different garden areas:
- Formal Garden: This area is near the front of the house, facing Greenup Street. It has a large cypress hedge and neatly arranged plants, often in pink and white. This part was used to welcome guests and show off the family's style. You enter through a narrow arch in the hedge.
- Informal Stroll Garden: This garden is more private and relaxed. It has a natural, rustic feel, inviting you to explore. There are paths, tall trees, and hidden spots. Some of the old terraces from Scholz's market garden are still here. A path leads to a stone lookout with amazing views.
- Service Garden: This area was for work and services, like the driveway, garage, and a small kitchen garden.
The garden is full of interesting plants, mostly from other countries. You can still find the old Williams pear tree and parts of the original walnut grove. There are also many types of roses, wisteria, and other beautiful flowering plants.
The house itself has been changed over the years. It has a verandah with timber posts and a balustrade. Inside, the house has been updated several times.
Why El Arish is Special
El Arish is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register for many reasons:
- A Glimpse into History: It shows how Stanthorpe changed from a mining town to a place known for market gardening and holidays. El Arish was first a market garden and then a summer home, showing both sides of this history.
- Rare and Unique Features: You can still see parts of the old market garden, like the rare Williams pear tree and Isabella grapevines. These are rare examples of early market gardening in the area. It's also a great example of a summer home from the 1920s.
- Beautiful Garden Design: The garden is a rare example of a 1920s Queensland garden influenced by Arts and Crafts ideas. Isabella and Charles designed it with different areas for various experiences. The huge cypress hedge along Greenup Street is also very unusual and impressive.
- Aesthetic Beauty: El Arish adds a lot of beauty to Stanthorpe. Its location on the hill makes it a well-known landmark. The different garden areas offer many beautiful sights, from formal plantings to rustic paths and distant views.
- Creative Achievement: The garden's design, plant choices, and use of the land show great creativity and skill.
- Community Connection: The first kindergarten in Stanthorpe was at El Arish from 1957 to 1975. Many local people remember attending it, giving the property a special place in the community's heart.
- Important People: El Arish is connected to the Chauvel family, who were important in Queensland history. Allan Chauvel was a Major in World War I, and his brother Henry was a famous military leader. Their son Charles was a pioneering Australian filmmaker.
Images for kids
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El Arish, 1996
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House known as El Arish at Stanthorpe, around 1920
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Side view of El Arish house and garden, 2015
