Skye Cottage

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic Value – The building was of note as one of the few examples in Carnarvon of a tropical bungalow, the style is more commonly seen in Broome.
Historic Value – Importance for close associations with an individual whose life, works or activites have been significant within the history of the locality. The building was also associated with prominent members of the local community including the McLeods of Minilya Station.
Social Value – Importance as a place highly valued by a community for reasons of social, cultural, religious, spiritual and education associations.

Physical Description

A large weatherboard tropical cottage with apartments underneath the house for domestic staff. The land currently remains vacant.

History

Skye Cottage was the first dwelling used by the Presentation Order of WA for a Convent in 1906. A Convent School was established in Roebourne in 1900 by the sisters, however, after the collapse of the gold mining industry it was decided to found a Convent in Carnarvon. Upon the sister’s arrival in Carnarvon, Mr & Mrs McLeod of Minilya Station offered the sisters Skye Cottage fully furnished for use as a Convent, until such time as a Convent could be built. The Convent building was completed that same year with the blessing and the first mass celebrated in Christmas Eve 1906. The two houses north of Skye Cottage on Francis Street were used as a boarding house for children of pastoralists who attended the Convent. This house was given to the Foundation by the Ryan’s of Jimba Jimba Station. St Mary’s Star of the Sea Church was built on the original site of the first church which was established in 1900.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low/Low

Condition

Site only

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.