Allview

Statement of Significance

Allview is of particular local heritage significance as one of the oldest homes in the Bridgetown townsite to still be occupied as a residence. Aesthetic Value High aesthetic value as the exterior is in near original condition, evidencing the age and architecture of the residence. Historic Value Allview is of moderate historic value as the home of Lewis Moulton, known for his work as a land guide within the district. It was the first stop for many new arrivals to Bridgetown seeking to buy rural land. Moulton would lead newcomers through the district to their allotted or purchased parcel of land. Research Value N/A Social Value The current owner often receives visitors wishing to retrace their past visit to the property (when it was a lodging house).

Physical Description

Allview, constructed of soft-fired bricks on a stone foundation, features Flemish bond to the main façade and Colonial bond on the other three sides (with a header course after every third course of stretcher brick). Portions of these bricks have been painted with a non-porous material and repaired with cement render, depriving the bricks of seasonal movement and breathing, which typically aggravates deterioration of old brickwork. The current owner has identified this concern and is in the process of repairing and restoring the building. All ceilings are floating, to allow the seasonal brick movement. All three chimneys feature dog-tooth detailing, characteristic of a few homes built by Joseph Smith around this time. The front verandah has a dropped roof line, while the back verandah is set under the main roof. The bathroom walls are now gyprock, with the remainder internal walls having been refreshed with lime render. Some original wide jarrah floor boards with handmade nails remain.

History

Lewis Moulton (son of the first permanent police officer A Moulton) bought this land from John Blechynden in the early 1880’s. He built a small two room hut of mudbrick and split shingles. Moulton married Helena Giblett in 1887, who won the national lottery, which allowed them to employ Joseph Smith in 1888, to build a more substantial home on the same site. In the same year, Joseph Smith was also the foreman for the building of the third bridge over the Blackwood River, just a short distance away. The area around the lower side of the Geegelup Brook was used as the town vegetable gardens, tended to by “The Frenchman”. Over time Allview was also used as a boarding or lodging house. Granite from this property was used to build St Paul’s Anglican Church (B21). Lewis Moulton was a farmer and a land guide, also selling materials and basic goods from his property. As he was the first point of contact for new settlers to the area, he was able to stock them with basic necessities, before leading them out to their new parcel of land. A new mud brick wing to the south is abutted to the original house via a verandah and breezeway.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Still used as a residence. Medium It is believed that some internal walls have been removed or altered over time, with the early kitchen having been made into the current bathroom. The majority of the external materials are in original or very early condition.

Condition

Fair (ongoing restoration/repair)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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