Esplanade Hotel

Statement of Significance

• The Esplanade Hotel has aesthetic value as a two storey example of the Federation Free Classical style executed in rendered brick which demonstrates the original form and some detail of its original construction. • The place is a landmark on the Marine Terrace foreshore as it is a prominent building in an open setting that is visible in the streetscape. • The place has historic value as a hotel that has been in existence at this site since 1898 when Busselton was in a period of development and the later changes of the building are consistent with the periods in which Busselton was undergoing further development. • The hotel has historic value for its association with the holidaymakers from the goldfields who regularly travelled to Busselton in the 20th century. • The Esplanade Hotel has social value to the Busselton community for its longevity of use and presence in the streetscape which contribute to the community sense of place. • Many members of the Busselton community and visitors have attended the Esplanade Hotel which make it well known by large sections of the community.

Physical Description

The Esplanade Hotel is a two storey stucco brick and iron building in the Federation Free Classical style. It has a curved pediment to mark the main entrance and flanking wall planes terminating in pedimented bays at each end of the main façade. The roof is corrugated iron articulated with stucco‐decorated chimneys. In the 21st century, the additions that spanned the whole frontage were removed and a serrated roof line applied to a modest infill at the front of the building, to which a pergola attaches. There is a terrace at the front, enclosing fence and a small rotunda in the north‐east corner.

History

Eastbourne of Westralia. The hotel will be known as the "Esplanade". The company is a local one: the provisional directors being Messrs R. Gale, J.P., F. Backhouse, John Bovell (Mayor of Busselton), S. Bathgate (Perth) and W. Alexander. The new hotel designed by Busselton architect H. Cowell Ashton was completed by late 1899. Contractor Robert Donald completed the building construction after the original builder withdrew from the job due to financial difficulties. The first licensee was Mr. A. L. Tait and in July 1900, an opening event was held to celebrate the new hotel which was described as 'a valuable addition to the town, and contains 45 rooms. It is fitted up in first class style, and can accommodate 60 boarders. The hotel was designed to meet the requirements of summer visitors from the goldfields.' In 1908, the owner Mr J. Cookworthy engaged architect Eustace Cohen to design additions which included 9 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and doubling the size of the dining room. Robert Donald again took on the works which were completed in late 1908 for a fee of £676. In 1941, the hotel was extensively refurbished in shades of green inside and out with new fixtures and fittings. During 1952, William Gray purchased the building after leaving the wheatbelt town of Narambeen to live closer to the ocean. The latest addition to the Hotel are the Function rooms to the west, which were completed during 2019

Integrity/Authenticity

High/High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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