Caves House Group

Statement of Significance

Caves House Group, a collection of buildings comprising two timber-framed main buildings constructed in 1912 in the Federation Filigree and Federation Bungalow styles respectively, and the hotel constructed of brick and tile in1938-39 in the Inter-War Old English style, together with a range of supporting function buildings, set in a culturally modified landscape, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
The hotel of 1938-39 is a very fine and substantial example of the Inter-War Old English style, designed and executed to high standards internally and externally, and was an outstanding achievement in the Inter-War period, when the Public Works Department of Western Australia was responsible for a number of fine buildings. The use of the Inter-War Art Deco style for the interior is unexpected.
The garden setting of Caves House Group is an exceptionally fine example of an Edwardian terraced garden.
With its diverse collection of buildings, cultural landscape and surrounding bushland it is a significant cultural environment.
As a health resort, a holiday and honeymoon destination, and in association with the experience of visiting Yallingup Cave, the place has been highly valued by visitors since the early twentieth century, and it has become a cultural icon.
Owned and developed by the Government of Western Australia from 1902 to 1968, to provide accommodation for visitors to the Yallingup Cave, the development of the place as a resort is one of the earliest and longest enduring examples of the State's ownership and development of a place as a tourist destination.
Since the construction of the Accommodation House in 1902-03, together with the Yallingup Cave, the place has played a central role in the development of the Yallingup and Busselton area, of the South-West, and of the State as a tourist and holiday destination.
Builder Robert Donald of Busselton was responsible for the first and last major buildings at the place, as Hough & Donald in the former, and R. Donald & Son in the latter, as well as the 1905 additions. Principal Government Architect A. E. Clare was responsible for the design of the new hotel in 1938, together with S. B. Cann.

Physical Description

For a detailed description of the buildings and grounds of the Caves House Group refer to the State Heritage Assessment Documentation for the inclusion of the place in the State Register in 2001.
The buildings which comprise the Caves House Group are two timber-framed buildings constructed c.1912 in the Federation Filigree style and Federation bungalow style respectively,and the hotel constructed of brick and tile in 1938-39, in the Inter-War Old English style.
There are various other framed construction structures in a variety of simple utilitarian styles arranged around the site, mainly in the modified bushland areas. The setting is a culturally modified landscape, with extensive gardens in the immediate vicinity of the buildings.
The plaque reconising the bravery and sacrifice of Clarence James Armstrong is located on the verandah wall overlooking the garden. Text on the plaque reads:
Erected to the Memory of
The Late
CLARENCE JAMES ARMSTRONG
Who gallantly gave his life attemption to save the lives of
Oliver Edgar Conduit and Arthur Reginal Gillow
off Torpedo Rocks on 2nd November 1927.
Also to the Heroic attempt to rescue made by
Edward Dawson
John Land
Leonard Blythe
Vincent Williamson
Victor Wallace
Erected by Admirers

History

For a detailed description of the history of the Caves House Group refer to the State Heritage Assessment Documentation for the inclusion of the place in the State Register in 2001.
In September 1899, the Yallingup Cave was discovered by Edward Dawson, who notified the State Government of his find. The Cave was subsequently opened to the public, with Dawson as guide. The Cave is variously mentioned as the Cave or the Caves. The terminology used in the assessment is that used in the source documents.
In early March 1902, the Government considered the building of an accommodation house to cater for visitors to Yallingup Cave, and the Caves Board discussed the matter. The estimated cost was £2,000 to erect and to furnish the accommodation house. The Board was divided over the issue of whether a license should be granted near Yallingup
Cave, and also regarding the relative merits of a hotel or accommodation house being built by the Government or private enterprise.
In January 1903, Caves Accommodation House, the first Caves House, was opened to the public. It was a two storey, timber building, with an iron roof. The accommodation included nine single and three double bedrooms, a smoking room, dressing rooms, with toilets and bathrooms. All rooms were accessed from the internal corridor, and most opened to the exterior. In 1904, additions and improvements were made to Cave House, Yallingup, including Engineer's Quarters, and stables.
The tourist attraction of the caves in the Yallingup and Augusta‐Margaret River area was well recognized from the outset, and the Government developed accommodation for visitors to them, with 'Burnside', 'Wallcliffe House', and Cave House all open by December 1904. The location of 'Burnside' and 'Wallcliffe House' was not given and no further
information was available. The benefit of good roads from Busselton to Yallingup, and from Yallingup to Margaret River was recognized, and improvements were made in 1904, with the latter road nearing completion in late December.
In May 1905, tenders were called for the construction of a billiard room and a tennis court at Yallingup Caves Accommodation House.
In 1905, the number of daily visitors increased, so 'it was found necessary to make some preparation for them, and to this end a large picnic ground was fenced in abutting on the road close to the Cave House.' and 'a four‐winged fireplace built of stone' was erected, as shown in a photograph in 1905. A water trough for horses with a buggy stand close by
were also put up in the picnic ground. Swings and other amusements for young children were being set up in the south part of the picnic ground. A 1905 photograph of the cleared picnic ground shows the horse trough, post and single rail timber fencing around the ground, timber seating, and indigenous trees. Another photograph shows a large painted
sign 'Public Camping Ground' at the entrance to the ground from 'the high road', and the gravel approach.
On 4 December 1930, a fire caused extensive damage to 'the old wing of Cave House, Yallingup', estimated at £5,000.
It was reported that 'a little more than half the wing comprising the basement, the store‐rooms, the dining room, the hall and the staircase, two drawing rooms and six bedrooms' were 'totally destroyed. A portion of the kitchen, the bar, and several other bedrooms were damaged. To accommodate guests for the peak Christmas season, the new lounge,
formerly the billiard room, was furnished as a dining room, and provision was made for a temporary bar.
The new hotel (1938‐39) was built by R. Donald & Son. Principal Government Architect A. E. Clare was responsible for the design of the new hotel. Clare was assisted by S. B. Cann, who later became Principal Architect. The new hotel was a substantial example of the Inter‐War Old English style, designed and executed to high standards internally and
externally to attract guests who could afford the luxury provided. It was at this time that the gardens were developed with terracing.
The State Government disposed of all state hotels in 1957, except for the Caves House Group and Yanchep Inn as they were located within reserves. These properties were leased to managers until 1965.
Subsequent owners have undertaken alterations and additions to the property, and since its inclusion on the State Register of Heritage Places the changes have been undertaken in consultation with State Government Authorities.
A specific event is recognised by a plaque erected at Caves House. In 1927, a young local man lost his life when attempting to rescue two visitors in trouble in the ocean.
Clarence Armstrong supplied Caves House with wood, meat and vegetables from his farm. It was during one of his delivery’s that the alarm was raised that two men were in distress in the water off Torpedo Rock. He and others ran from Caves House to Torpedo Rock a distance of approximately one kilometre. Sadly, the rescue attempt failed and
he and the other two men drowned.
A committee of citizens under the presidency of the Mayor of Busselton was formed and many fund-raising activities were held to raise funds for the erection of a memorial at Torpedo Rock and at Caves House in recognition of the bravery of Mr. C J Armstrong and the other brave members of the rescue party.
On the 20 June 1928 the Hon Minister of Justice, Mr. J C Willcock said, “These memorials will provide the best danger signal that the residents of the district and the authorities of Caves House could conceive. While this memorial will fittingly commemorate a very brave action, it will serve as a utilitarian purpose in pointing out the risks and probably prevent a repetition of any further unfortunate happenings in this location.”
On the 26 November 1928, Sir James Mitchell, the then Leader of the Opposition unveiled the plaques and said “that he known the late Mr. Armstrong for 17 years and every year they had spent time together in the bush. Armstrong was one of those men who are born into the world to help others. When he made his heroic effort on that fatal day in last November, he fully realized the danger and his action was, therefore, more meritorious.”
Sir Mitchell went onto say that the plaque would be a permanent warning to visitors not to lead others into tragedy.
Mr. Kitson, Honorary Minister, presented Mrs. Armstrong with a Certificate from the Royal Humane Society and the Society presented Silver Bravery Medals to the other men who had been part of the rescue attempt.
A similar plaque was erected at Torpedo Rock as a commemoration and a warning to those swimming nearby.
The unveiling of the plaques was attended by over 600 people.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Last Update

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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.