Guildford landmarks to have heritage listing

20/3/94

Two well-known Guildford landmarks - one of which was almost demolished - have been given protection under the State Government's Heritage Act

The Guildford Hotel has been entered permanently on to the register of heritage places, while Earslferry mansion, located on the banks of the Swan River, has been interim listed.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said he had agreed to the listings on the advice of the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

Mr Lewis said the Guildford Hotel, which was saved from demolition three years ago, was worthy of permanent registration because of the special place it held in the hearts and minds of the local community.

"Since its construction in 1885, the Guildford Hotel has remained a visual and social focus in the community, and forms an important part of Guildford's character," he said.

"It has been a valuable building for its rarity, being the only commercial example of Federation free classic architecture in the Guildford area.

"This listing will ensure the building is afforded the full protection of the State's heritage laws."

The hotel was nearly condemned in 1991 but was saved when new owners decided to restore it.  Since then the hotel has been an unqualified success, culminating with a Heritage Award last year from the Swan Shire Council.

The second building to receive State Government protection in the Guildford area is the turn-of-the-century mansion, Earlsferry.

Mr Lewis said Earlsferry was one of the few grand homes situated on the Swan River.

"Through its association with such important figures in WA history as John Short, Sir Edward Wittenoom and Karl Drake-Brockman, it stands as a prominent reminder of the lifestyle of wealthy Western Australians at the time," the Minister said.

The two-storey brick house was built in 1902 for John Tregerthen Short, who was chief traffic manager of the WA Government Railways.

Before being converted for a home for mentally handicapped girls in 1950, Earlsferry was home to Sir Edward Horne Wittenoom, a former WA Agent General in London, and well-known judge Karl Edgar Drake-Brockman.

Earslferry, which is again in private ownership, has been interim listed for 12 months, during which time it will be considered for permanent listing.

Media contact:  Paul Plowman (09) 222 9595