Lavender Cottage

Statement of Significance

Lavender Cottage has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
The place is a fine yet simple example of a timber and iron Federation Bungalow, and its use of timber relatively rare for residences in the historic townsite particularly the western side of the town which is dominated more by brick and stone construction.
The place has become a popular café and meeting place and valued by the local community.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include:
• Set close to road in commercial area
• Small scale and residential nature retained
• Timber walls and corrugated iron roof
• Projecting gable wing
• Timber framed windows
• Small verandah under separate roof

Some obvious modifications include:
• Extension to the west side, though done in similar materials to original home, changes façade
• External colour scheme – timber joinery

History

It is thought that this house was built in c1910. Over the years it has been a residence for a single man Rodney Young and home to a mechanic who worked in Wylie’s Garage that formerly sat on the corner of Peels Place and York St.

In 1949, Albany Council adopted a by-law across designated areas of the central townsite - which included Cuthbert Street - requiring that all dwellings, shops and warehouses be built only of brick, stone or reinforced concrete, thereby not permitting timber to be used as the primary building material for external wall cladding. This by-law was not an uncommon one and adopted by most local councils in both metropolitan and regional areas owing to the hazards of timber mainly in relation to fire. However, this later policy makes the timber houses still extant in Cuthbert Street an important part of its historic and eclectic mix of building materials.

During the 1950s the front room was rented out to a mother with one child but no cooking facilities or bathroom were connected to the room, so all facilities were shared.

Since 1999 Lavender Cottage has been used as business premises. A tea and coffee shop operates from the former residence and the proprietors Glenys and Bryan Hughes live on site. They have maintained the garden, which features an 80 year-old apricot tree. It is also thought the old house has a male ghost which always appears in the same spot.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate
Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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.