Bridgefield

Statement of Significance

Bridgefield is of significance: • As an early accommodation house run by the Higgins family, a name synonymous with hospitality and development of this industry in Margaret River and Augusta. • For its continued use as accommodation since 1931.

Physical Description

Based on the documentary and physical evidence, the original house was of a simple vernacular bungalow form, with a hipped roof extending over wide return verandahs. It was constructed of weatherboard with a corrugated iron roof. The symmetrical façade had simple timber detailing and the house was set in a domestic style garden.The major additions undertaken since 1996 are of a highly decorative style, using mixed ‘period’ detailing, and the site is now dominated by a prominent ‘rotunda’ style room forward of the original northwest corner, and a gabled cover-way from the street to the main entrance. The roof line has also been altered to a gabled-hip form and reclad in red Colorbond.The major additions and the proliferation of signage to the boundary has created a distinctive landmark quality for the place, which is compatible with its commercial use. However, this has also obscured the original character of Bridgefield.

History

Bridgefield (the second accommodation house of this name) was built after the death of Thomas Edward Higgins and provided an income for his widow, Elizabeth, and daughter, Agnes Rose. It replaced the original Bridgefield (1894) (See Place # MR(T)-02), which Thomas and Elizabeth Higgins operated after taking control of the Davies staging post and stables near this site.The new Bridgefield, built in 1931, was operated by Agnes until her death in 1989, and boarders at her house included school teachers, bank employees, itinerant workers and travellers. After her death it was refurbished by Thomas and Carmel Higgins and continued to operate as a guesthouse. The bathroom was modified at that time to comply with current by-laws and the foyer expanded. Bridgefield has changed ownership again since that time and comparison of the present place with the photographs in the 1996 Municipal Heritage Inventory confirms that a major extension has been constructed along the northern side of the building for a café/restaurant and commercial kitchen (including the large domed structure to the NW corner of the site). The southern verandah has also been enclosed for new en-suites for the guest accommodation.As at 2012 the place is a Bed and Breakfast, called the Bridgefield Guest House.

Integrity/Authenticity

High: The original use has been maintained. Low: The place has been considerably altered, with the loss of significant fabric. The original intent/character is no longer clearly evident.

Condition

Good *Assessed from streetscape survey only

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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