Craigie House

Statement of Significance

Craigie House has some social and historic significance to the Mundaring community for its associations with the Jacoby family and as an example of lifestyle and adaptive use.

Physical Description

Craigie house is a rambling residence that has grown and been added to in what appears to be a fairly ad hoc manner over the years. Originally located on a large lot, the land around the site has gradually been subdivided.There are several out-buildings that origianlly may have been staff accommodation or stables, but more latterly have provided outside laundry and storage accommodation. A small weatherboard and asbestos cottage was also located in the grounds recently used as a creche, but has been demolished for redevelopment of the grounds for carparking to serve the Mundaring Sharing and new child care facilities.

History

In c.1916, this house was built for Ted (Theodore) Jacoby, brother of Fred and mathrieson. Prior to that, from c.1900, when he returned from the Boer War, ted, his wife Frances and children Harry, Colin, Nola and Lucy lived in the house at "Portagabra'. At the house in Phillips Road, they operated a boarding and guest house, and a married couple who worked as gardener and housemaid, lived in a cottage on the property. An advertisement of c.1924, mentions that the Jacoby's boarding house as offering accommodation for 14 people at 8/- a day or 2 pound/2/- a week. By the mid 1930's, the amenities had improved to the extent that visitors were told to expect electric lights and water laid on to the bedrooms, and a septic system for the house. Harry Jacoby is said to have made the tennis court, and the family planted vines and fruit trees.
Although Ted died in the late 1940's, Francis stayed in the house until c.1950, when the boarding house was sold. After WWII, possibly about the mid 1950's, Nursing Sisters Desda Brown and Ethel Carter changed it's role to that of a nursing home. They are said to have changed the name to 'Craigie House', to reflect their connections with the Craig family of Northam/York area.
Over it's long history, the property has undergone sub-division and after a period as a private residence, it was purchased by the shire of Mundaring in 1987, and since has been extensively used by the community as the headquarters of Mundaring Sharing. A creche was initially located in what used to be the weatherboard and iron, married couples cottage at the south-east corner of the site.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Modifications: Various, verandah enclosures and accretions.

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.