Vasse Hotel

Statement of Significance

• The Vasse Hotel, a two storey brick, stucco and iron roofed Federation Free Classical style building with substantial additions, has aesthetic value as a local landmark, as a substantial fragment of a fine buildings and for its contribution to the Queen Street streetscape. • The Vasse Hotel has historic value for its association with the establishment of Busselton as a holiday destination from late 19th century. The changes in the building have been consistent with the ebb and flow of the holiday industry in Busselton. • The place has social value for the Busselton community as it has been present in the streetscape since the late 19th century and contributes to the community sense of place and many members of the community have visited the place for a range of social events.

Physical Description

The Vasse Hotel now comprises the 1906 building on the corner of Queen and Duchess Streets, with a shopping centre to the south and west. The original section of the building had a two‐storey timber construction filigree style verandah, brick walls, stucco decorative treatments, an iron roof, tall double hung sash windows and timber‐framed doors. It is a distinctive element in the streetscape and like most country hotels takes full advantage of its corner to make an architectural statement. The verandahs are very deep, but the present fabric is all replacement material. The parapet detail remains authentic, with its cornice, panels and acroteria and the words Vasse Hotel in bas‐relief. Almost all openings have been altered and several of the original openings have been bricked in.

History

From the available research there was a hotel on this site known as the Vasse Hotel from at least 1888. In an advertisement in 1896 it is stated that there were 6 sitting rooms and 9 bedrooms, apart from the rooms needed for the licensees family. At that time the owner was S. Copley and in the next few years there changes of the licensee and owners. In 1902, it was announced that the 'homely hotel was being enlarged'. Previous research has found that the works were completed by local contractor Robert Donald and Son and like many hotels underwent numerous changes to accommodate changing needs. The changes were generally confined to the ground floor until the building was completely renovated and changed significantly during the 2002‐3 shopping centre projects. The place now comprises of a café and tavern and large sections of the former hotel were demolished to make way for the new additions.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate/High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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