Local Government
Busselton
Region
South West
Location
4 Pries Av Busselton
Location Details
HCWA PLAQUE
Construction Date
Constructed from 1855
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | YES | 13 Aug 2014 | |
| Heritage List | Adopted | 16 Oct 2024 | |
| State Register | Registered | 07 Feb 1997 | HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument, HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Register of the National Estate | Permanent | 21 Mar 1978 | ||
| Classified by the National Trust | Classified | 07 Aug 1961 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 13 Aug 2014 | Category 1 | |
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 20 Jun 1996 | Category 1 | |
| Local Heritage Survey | YES | 16 Oct 2024 | Category 1 | |
Statement of Significance
• The place has historic value as the residence of James Chapman, one of Busselton’s earliest settlers and was the home of the Pries family, an important local family, for a considerable period of time from 1860. • This place is believed to be the oldest surviving house in the town of Busselton as its construction is c1855. • The place is valued by the community as a prominent landmark that contributes to the community sense of place since the mid 19th century.
Physical Description
Prospect Villa is a two storey rendered stone and iron Victorian Georgian house, with a gabled roof with chimneys. The main façade is symmetrically arranged and has a surrounding verandah. The front property boundary is defined with a brick pillar and garrison style fence. The front yard is paved.
History
James Chapman and his brother and sister arrived in the Swan River Colony in 1830 and settled at Inlet Park, setting up a flourmill. The Chapman brothers were amongst the first to take up town lots. James Chapman (1803-1870) acquired Lot 93 in 1855 and is believed to have built Prospect Villa at around this time. It had limestone walls, pit sawn timber floors and a shingle covered roof. By 1860, Robert Pries, a storekeeper and agent had bought the property and the place remained in the Pries family until it was bought by Tom McCusker, when the front garden was cleared to make way for a service station. After being used for Tourist Bureau offices and a museum, the place was leased out for a variety of purposes. In 1988, Judith and Chris Murray acquired the place and undertook major conservation works including the replacement of the main beams supporting the upper level and new corrugated iron roof cladding. These works enabled the opening of the property as bed and breakfast accommodation in 1989. A new cottage was constructed in the rear of the lot was constructed in 2000. It is currently [2024] used as a private residence.
Integrity/Authenticity
High/Moderate
Condition
Good
Other Reference Numbers
| Ref Number | Description |
|---|---|
| PN040 | Reference No. |
| 11780857,11780858,11780856 | Landgate Pin |
| 100045636 | COB Property ID |
State Heritage Office library entries
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12174 | Prospect Villa, Busselton: Architectural evaluation | Heritage Study {Other} | |
| 3771 | Prospect Villa Busselton-Conservation Plan | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 1998 |
| 3770 | Prospect Villa Shire of Busselton-Final Report for Restoration Project | Heritage Study {Other} | 1998 |
Place Type
Individual Building or Group
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other Use | EDUCATIONAL | Museum |
| Other Use | COMMERCIAL | Office or Administration Bldg |
| Original Use | RESIDENTIAL | Two storey residence |
| Present Use | COMMERCIAL | Hotel, Tavern or Inn |
Architectural Styles
| Style |
|---|
| Victorian Georgian |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | STONE | Limestone |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| PEOPLE | Early settlers |
Creation Date
30 May 1989Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
08 Jul 2025Disclaimer
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.