Fonty's Pool, Manjimup

Values

• The place has high aesthetic value due to the natural pool feature, the architectural quality of the house and the simplicity of the timber sheds and change rooms, all being located within a striking landscaped park.
• The place has the potential to contribute to an understanding of early hydro engineering in the Southwest of WA.
• The place is one of only two natural pools modified for recreational use in the Southwest region and was rare as one of the only privately owned and maintained pools of this sort in the State.
• The place has contributed significantly to the social and recreational life of the Manjimup community since opening.
• The place is associated with a prominent and respected pioneer of the Manjimup district. Mr Fontanini was awarded an MBE in 1970.

Physical Description

Fonty’s Pool is a large, natural spring fed pool, constructed in a low valley, approximately 5kms along Seven Day Road from the Southwest Highway turn off, just south of the town of Manjimup. The site features the pool and extensive landscaped park and gardens, as well as a caravan park and park cabins, shop, change rooms, pump house and shed, and residence. The site is located within a striking landscaped valley setting, bound by Seven Day Road to the north, the entry drive to the east, and adjoining rural properties to the south and west. The spring and brook create a natural east west division through the site, with the northern portion containing the original pool, change rooms, residence, pump house and shed, and the southern portion including caravan park and shop. Fonty’s Pool is constructed of concrete and forms a hard edge to the natural form of the valley, directing the water from the spring at the eastern end of the pool in a westerly direction. A natural land bridge creates a promenade along the western side of the pool, and contains a row of simple timber framed, individual change rooms largely obscured by a creeping vine. The land surrounding the pool has been landscaped to form an exotic park, with northern terraces leading to the site of the residence.

History

Fonty’s Pool was created by Archimede Fontanini with the intention of irrigating land for vegetable growing on his property. While in construction, it was used by the children of Deanmill and the adjacent area became so popular as a recreation area that the pool was completed as a swimming pool. The pool was opened to the public in 1925 and the surrounding area was landscaped to allow for recreational uses.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Sound

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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