Mitchell House, Northam, to have interim heritage listing

16/10/96

The historic home of former Western Australian Premier and Governor, Sir James Mitchell, has been recognised for its significant heritage values.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said Mitchell House in Northam had been placed on the Heritage Council of Western Australia's interim register of heritage places.

Mr Lewis said the turn-of-the-century house, on the corner of Duke and Hawes Streets, was both historically and architecturally significant.

"Mitchell House has strong links with WA history," he said.

"It was the home of Sir James Mitchell, the WA Premier who later became Lieutenant Governor and then Governor.

"The house is also strongly associated with the prosperity of Northam during the post-gold boom era.

"It is also a fine example of Federation Free Classical architecture."

Mr Lewis said during the 1890s gold boom, the extension of the railway to Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie via Northam bought prosperity to the town.

In 1891, James and Clara Mitchell and their family settled in Northam when James was appointed the first manager of the WA Bank.

In 1905 the family built Mitchell House on three blocks of land belonging to the Church of England on the hill above the eastern end of town.

Mr Lewis said this area was regarded as Northam's most prestigious and was often referred to as 'nob hill', as it had the largest homes and most important residents.

Mitchell House, originally known as Bona Vista, was built of red bricks with a corrugated iron and had a stucco finish on the gallery and portico.

It consisted of six rooms and an entry hall downstairs, with five bedrooms, a bathroom and landing upstairs.

"The home resembled an English manor house and featured a large amount of jarrah, an extremely ornate fireplace and extensive lawns and gardens, including an area for croquet," Mr Lewis said.

"Mitchell House was used not only for garden parties, but important political meetings as the former Premier began to build his political career.

"In 1919 he became Premier and in 1921 he was knighted. During this time he resided in Perth and travelled to and from his Northam electorate by train or chauffeur driven car."

Two years later the house was purchased by Hal Colebatch, Mitchell's friend and the editor of the Northam Advocate, who stayed there until 1955, when his mother moved in as caretaker.

Between 1955 and the early 1960s, the home was converted into three flats and major alterations were made inside. Further renovations and changes have been made over the years.

Mr Lewis said during the 1980s Mitchell House was the venue for balls, large formal dinner parties and fetes, as well as the setting for a Channel 7 TV program. It was also classified by the National Trust.

"Last year it was bought by the owners of the nearby Shamrock Hotel as a family home and for extra accommodation," he said.

"Premier Richard Court officially opened it in June last year and Judy Crossland, the sole surviving grandchild of Clara and James Mitchell, was amongst the guests."

Mr Lewis said the main building was in good condition and had a moderate to high degree of integrity.

He said it deserved heritage protection for its important historical and aesthetic values.

"It is an important part of the Northam community and features heavily in promotional material for the region's tourism industry," he said.

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377