Le Fanu House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Le Fanu House |
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Le Fanu House in May 2021
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| Former names | Banksia |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Federation Queen Anne |
| Address | 2 Salvado Street |
| Town or city | Cottesloe, Western Australia |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 32°00′18″S 115°45′09″E / 32.0050°S 115.7524°E |
| Completed | 1893 |
| Renovated | 2011 |
| Owner | Henry Diggins Holmes |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 7 January 2000 |
| Reference no. | 3306 |
Le Fanu House is a large, single-story home in Cottesloe, Western Australia. It was built around 1893 and is known for its beautiful Federation Queen Anne style. This house is considered a grand example of a beachside home.
Contents
The Story of Le Fanu House
Early Days as Banksia
The house was first called Banksia. It was built as a private home for Henry Diggins Holmes, his wife Marion, and their three children. The house was located near the sand dunes of Cottesloe Beach.
Henry Holmes was an important person. He became the General Manager of the Bank of Western Australia in 1890.
Changes and New Owners
Between 1898 and 1900, the house had many big changes and additions. These were designed by an architect named Percy William Harrison.
In 1945, the house was sold to the Perth Diocesan Trustees. They renamed it Le Fanu House after Henry Le Fanu, who was the Anglican Archbishop of Perth at the time.
The house became a private home again in 1973. Mrs. Fenwick (now Mrs. Drake-Brockman) bought the property then.
Restoration Challenges
In 2008, a local newspaper reported that the house was "crumbling into ruins." The 17-room house was very valuable but also had serious problems. It had the highest possible heritage protection, meaning it could not be knocked down.
The house had an old roof, rotting wood, crumbling bricks, and collapsing walls. This made it a big challenge for any new owner.
New Beginnings and Renovations
In August 2008, the owners listed the house for sale. In 2009, Steve Wyatt, a co-founder of Mineral Resources, bought Le Fanu for $4.25 million.
In September 2010, the Town of Cottesloe approved plans for major renovations. These plans allowed Steve Wyatt and S. Gibson to restore the 17-room house for people to live in again. The estimated cost for these renovations was $6 million.
More recently, in 2022, a mining leader named Andrew Forrest bought the house from Wyatt.
What Le Fanu House Looks Like
Federation Queen Anne Style
Le Fanu House was originally called Banksia. It was built with large, cut limestone blocks. The roof now has a different material, but it used to be asbestos.
The house has gables (the triangular parts of a wall under a sloping roof) on all four sides. These gables have special decorative details. On one side, there is a bay window with a round, pointed tower called a conical turret. This turret has a fancy decoration on top.
Architectural Features
Verandahs (covered porches) surround the house. These are held up by simple square wooden posts. A limestone wall encloses the garden. The house also has a lower floor on its north side.
Le Fanu House is a great example of the Federation Style. It combines this style with a Queen Anne turret, giving it a unique look.
Why Le Fanu House is Important
Protecting History
Le Fanu House is very important because of its history and unique design. It has been recognized by several groups that protect old buildings.
The National Trust of Australia (WA) officially recognized the house on May 12, 1975. It was also added to the Register of the National Estate on September 28, 1982.
The Town of Cottesloe included the building on its Municipal Inventory in 1995. Finally, the Heritage Council of Western Australia permanently listed it on the State Register of Heritage Places on January 7, 2000. These listings mean the house is protected and its history will be preserved for many years.
See also
- Henry Le Fanu
