Ardath Hotel

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates a way of life and associations with generations of Ardath settlers, the war time activitites of the region and travellers. It is a landmark which represents the character and townscape of Ardath.

Physical Description

The two storey brick hotel had a full width verandah across the top floor frontage and a covered colonnade at ground level. The hipped corrugated iron roof has a gable feature central in the facade with double column details. The original face brickwork with rendered string courses is still in evidence. The stables have been retained. The hotel has a balanced frontage with three equal bays flanking a double width central bay with gable pediment above. The balustrades on the upstairs verandah is detailed in fine fretwork timber. The interior fitout is remarkably intact and in good condition. The original bar and timber cabinets, dining room, entry doors. staircase, timber fretwork arches and drawing room mantelpiece are among some of the authentic items which have remained insitu in this authentic place.

History

In 1925, tenders were called for the hotel building and it was constructed during 1925, with two strikes intervening. First, the bricklayers went on strike and were subsequently sacked and another team employed. Then the carpenters went on strike and the same procedure took place. The building was finally completed and opened in October 1826. Fred W Jacoby was the owner of the hotel and thee first licensee. Jacony later built a hotel in Mundaring using the same plans. The Ardath Hotel was the third hotel within the Bruce Rock District (Bruce Rock & Kwolyin Hotels were both State hotel in 1914). During the 1930's it was very popular with travellers as it was more 'upmarket' than others in the area.
During World War II, the location of an ammunition depot, with 250 personnel in close proximity to Ardath, made the years of 1943, 44 and 45 very busy, as well as the post war years of 1946. Jacoby owned the hotel until c1950, although he only ran it for the first few years and a succession of managers had operated the place since then. Bob Tuia purchased the hotel from Jacoby and the succession of managers continued. In c1979, Alan Wilkinson took over ownership and in the 1980's the health club entrepreneuer Laurie Potter owned the hotel and a number of managers ran the place until Wills purchased the place in 1989.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact
Authenticity: Very High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.