Lake Grace Hotel

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates a continuity of the hospitality function in Lake Grace. It represents a way of life and customs associated with life in a country town. It is a significant element in the streetscape of the main street of Lake Grace and contributes tot he character of the townscape.

Physical Description

The double storey brick construction has a corrugated iron roof. The first floor verandahs address both street frontages and the truncated corner has a gable with the hotel's name. Most of the ground floor colonnade under the verandah has been infilled, and extensions have been built on the Carruthers Street frontage and at the rear of the hotel. The main entry is across the truncated corner. On the west end of the Stubbs Street facade, the ground floor colonnade has been retained where the residential entry is located. The verandah on the first floor level has been enclosed above that section, and a gable roof detail signals the entry below.

History

was granted. In April, tenders were called for the construction of the Lake Grace Hotel, and plans were submitted to the Roads Board in June 1924. About the time that the Lake Grace Hotel was being constructed, the issue of prohibition was in the news, with the Prohibition Bill before Parliament, speakers in favour of prohibition travelled to country areas lobbying their cause. At a poll on 4 April 1925 the Prohibition Bill was defeated. The Lake Grace Hotel was completed at a cost of £10000, and considered to be prestigious at the time. It open for business by January 1925, under the management of Mr E Tunney (Tunney Bros), who purchased the hotel from Bert Rose on 10 August 1925. The advent of the hotel signalled the end of the sly grog trade in Lake Grace. Owners, lessees and managers have changed over the years. Of some note is HV (Hariy) Carter who took over in 1928, succeeded by JJ Carter in 1934 (to 38), with HV Carter taking over again in 1946. Harry Carter was previously of the Bedford Hotel in Perth. From 1948 Alec Cameron had leased the hotel, also owning the Newdegate hotel from 1945 to 1966. In March 1951 the auction of the freehold of the hotel created great interest, particularly from prospective "local" purchasers. BA Austin James of Moora bidded successfully st at 250,000 pounds. As with previous owners, James continued to sponsor major local sporting events. James ran the hotel until the mid 1960's when trotting indentities "Bonny" Sweetapple and Ogden bought the hotel. After several owners, The Auto Motel group bought the hotel in 1974, and owned it for ten years, during which time six accommodation units were constructed adjacent to the hotel. In August 1983 a fire spread through from the kitchen, destroying the lounge and kitchen areas with $280,000 damage. It was initially thought that the upstairs section would be demolished, but it was not necessary. After a couple more changes of ownership, Jessica Holmes purchased the hotel in 1988, and licensee Neville Brown runs the place.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or Redeemable Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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