Dunmoylen

Statement of Significance

Dunmoylen has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place is associated with its early owners and well-known residents of Albany, Mary Georgina Whitfield and Robert Robinson (of Haynes Robinson solicitors). The place is one of a group of significant residences built during the Late Victorian/Federation period along this eastern end of Stirling Terrace/Brunswick Road, just outside of the Stirling Terrace Heritage Precinct, many of which were used as boarding and guest houses given their proximity to the town centre, railway station and harbour. and owing to Albany’s growing popularity as a summer holiday resort. The place reflects the typical dwelling of a rising middle class that emerged from the commercial and service industries that developed around the port of Albany in the latter part of the 19th century particularly when Albany was the main port for Western Australia. Boarding/guest houses such as this were predominantly established and run by women making them an important and respectable avenue of work for local women at a time when other employment opportunities, especially for married women and even widows living in urban areas, were rare.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Located on an elevated site set back on the lot • Asymmetrical form • Hipped roof with projecting gable at front entrance • Prominent brick chimneys with chimney pots Some modifications of this place include: • Modifications and verandah infill additions which have disrupted its original symmetrical form but the original residence still evident including roof form • Addition of a gable to the front verandah

History

The following is taken from the Dunmoylen House website: Lot 161 & 162 were initially and separately granted as an enrolment [sic.] in 1870 for 6 Pounds with an ongoing peppercorn rent. Both lots were then purchased by Mrs Mary Georgina Whitfield which formed 1 acre of land and built in 1889 "Dunmoylen House". The house was then leased to Mr R.T. Robinson – Robert who migrated to Albany from Ireland with his parents in 1872. He became a Lawyer and established the law firm partnership Haynes Robinson which still operates in Albany today (n.b. refer Law Offices in York Street). Robert later entered state politics becoming Attorney General in 1916 and inherited 281 Ha of land in Perth and developed what is now Mt Lawley. Dunmoylen was sold in 1894. From then Dunmoylen has had many owners with the longest ownership being 16 years by Giovanni Lagana a farmer of Yealering 1951 -1967. The land was subdivided into 3 lots - 1 half acre at front with house and 2 1/4 acre lots facing Burgoyne Rd. In 1986 the house was divided into 3 flats and became know [sic.] as Harbour View. The remaining 1/2 acre was again subdivided into two 1/4 acre lots with one lot in a battleaxe lot behind the house. It became a Bed & Breakfast "Memories" then later under new owners the original name was restored "Dunmoylen House". Other owners of Dunmoylen have included A. W. Vanzuilecom, Mr and Mrs Reeve (refer also Reeves Timber Hardware in Spencer Street), Mr and Mrs I. Lawson. In 1937 Dunmoylen was being advertised for rooms for high school students.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate Authenticity: Moderate

Condition

High/Moderate

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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