Hall's Cottage (Mandurah) listed on heritage register

14/4/95

Mandurah's oldest known building has been listed on the State Register of Heritage Places.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis announced today that Hall's Cottage in Leighton Road, had been permanently entered on the register, following a recommendation from the Heritage Council of Western Australia.

Mr Lewis said the listing recognised the significant role the building had played in the development of Mandurah.

"Hall's Cottage, built in 1833, and believed to be the oldest existing building in the area is a local landmark," he said.

"The building is an important reminder of the lifestyle of the early European settlers in the region."

Hall's Cottage is a five room, single storey stone dwelling, built for Henry Edward Hall as a family home for his wife and six children.

When Mr Hall arrived in WA from England in February 1830, he received a 6,700 hectare land grant six kilometres south of the Harvey River mouth and a further 81 hectares located on the western bank of the Peel Inlet, opposite the Mandurah townsite.

Tradesmen and servants who had travelled to Australia with Mr Hall are believed to have built the cottage on the inlet.

The Minister said the cottage was constructed in the old Colonial Georgian style using local limestone.

"The kitchen, bathroom and laundry were incorporated in the servants' quarters, adjacent to the cottage," Mr Lewis said.

"Hall's Cottage still plays an important role in the local community as a museum featuring the region's cultural history."

Hall's Cottage is also listed on the Register of the National Estate and is classified by the National Trust.

Media contact:  Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595 or 221 1377