Beachgrove

Statement of Significance

The residence in its expansive garden setting is a good and intact example of the Federation Arts and Crafts style executed in limestone and timber with significant original detail in evidence. The place has historic value for its association with the development of the town of Busselton in the early 20th century by wealthy landowners who built comfortable homes, secondary to their farming properties. The place has historic value for its association with early settler families, the Bussells and the Brockmans. The construction of the place may have the potential to reveal evidence of past building practices. The residence has social value as its longevity of function and presence in the streetscape which contribute to the community sense of place.

Physical Description

Beachgrove is a two storey Federation Arts and Crafts style residence of limestone construction on the ground floor with verandahs to the front and both sides of the house. The second floor has jettied bay windows in gabled bays, with the whole of the first floor clad in weatherboards. Brick chimneys extend up through the corrugated sheet metal roof. The residence is set within expansive landscaped gardens and the Ford Road property boundary is defined with a block limestone wall and metal gates. A separate outbuilding is located in the rear of the lot which is likely a former stables or coach house.

History

This substantial residence was built c1908 for Capel Carter Brockman, nee Bussell (1839-1924). Capel Brockman was born at Cattle Chosen, the eldest daughter of John and Charlotte Bussell. She married Edward Reveley Brockman in 1861 and the couple established a farm in Pemberton and had 10 children. Edward Brockman died in 1902 and by 1907, Post Office Directories record Mrs Edward Brockman living in Busselton, probably at 'Sandilands' a Bussell family property not far from her family home, Cattle Chosen. In 1907, Bunbury based architect Eustace Gresley Cohen was living at 'Beachlands' as a temporary base when working in Busselton. This was the home of his elder brother Gilbert Cohen. Because of his proximity it was logical that Capel Brockman chose Cohen to design a home for herself and members of her extended family that could be accommodated as needed. The house was built by stonemason John Muir and carpenter Robert Donald. An item in the South-Western News in December 1908 stated that 'Mrs Ed. Brockman has in the course of construction a pretty villa on the eastern boundary of the town'. It is therefore assumed the house was completed and ready for occupancy in 1909. In 1910, the Electoral Rolls record that Capel Brockman was still living at 'Sandilands' with two of her daughters Isabel Hammersley and Emily Flora. All three women had their occupation designated as 'Lady'. Who was occupying Beachgrove is not stated in the Electoral Rolls in this year. From the available information it is concluded that Isabel Brockman was the main occupant of the house in the first half of the 20th century. She never married and was described as being of a 'quiet and retiring disposition, and devoted most of her time to the church.' It is likely the home was occupied for periods of time by family members and friends.Electoral Rolls for 1912 show that Capel and Emily Brockman were still living at 'Sandilands' while Isabel was recorded as living at 'Beechgrove' and her occupation was designated as home duties. In 1922, Capel Brockman was still recorded as living at 'Sandilands' but her death is reported to have occurred at Beachgrove'. It is probable that Isabel cared for her mother at Beachgrove during her final weeks or months. Isabel died in 1945 and the property remained in the ownership of the Brockman family for many decades. Aerial photographs from the mid 20th century show that the form and extent of the residence has not changed significantly, apart from the gradual recladding of the roof in corrugated metal sheeting, replacing the painted corrugated iron.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity Notes: The place remains in use as a residence and retains a high degree of integrity. Authenticity Notes: The place appears to retain most of its original external feature and therefore retains a moderate to high degree of authenticity High Degree/Moderate-High Degree

Condition

Fair – The exterior of the place has deteriorated to such a substantial degree that it has become untenable due to the amount of water still entering the building.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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