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BLACK HORSE INN (Former)
66 Whyte Street, COLERAINE VIC 3315 - Property No 108

All information on this page is maintained by Southern Grampians Shire. Click below for their website and contact details.
Southern Grampians Shire
23107 Black Horse Inn former Coleraine 0495
23107 Black Horse Inn former Coleraine 0495
23107 Black Horse Inn former Coleraine 0495
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Statement of Significance

What is significant?

The former Black Horse Inn, 66 Whyte Street, Coleraine, is a single storey rendered brick structure composed of two parts. It is the only survivor of a row of small hotels which operated on the northern side of Whyte Street, and included the Victoria and National hotels, since demolished. The lower, western section appears to be the older part, and is believed to have been built before 1865. Its original openings have been replaced with a modern plate glass window and a recessed double door. The eastern section is taller, with a single arched entrance and two double hung sash windows. The building is in a simple Renaissance revival style, with rusticated walls, surmounted by a plain cornice and parapet. For many years the hotel was owned by Isaac Gelston Gray, former police officer, who became a publican, then a storekeeper and auctioneer. Changes in the use of the building reflected the various changes in Gray's career. The interiors of the hotel have been altered, and it is presently used as a private residence.

How is it significant?

The former Black Horse Inn, 66 Whyte Street, Coleraine is of historical and architectural significance to the community of Coleraine and the Shire of Southern Grampians.

Why is it significant?

The former Black Horse Inn is of historical significance as the earliest extant hotel, and one of the oldest buildings to survive in Coleraine. It has further historical significance for its association with the colourful local identity, Isaac Gelston Gray, whose varied career was reflected in the many uses to which the building has been put.

The former Black Horse Inn is of architectural significance as a typical example of the modest single storey hotels which lined Whyte Street in the mid-nineteenth century, and for the simple commercial style and form of the building.

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    • Physical Conditions

      BLACK HORSE INN (Former) - Physical Conditions

      The front of the building is good condition. The rear is in poor condition, with deterioration of several sections of brick wall due to rising damp.

      Physical Description 1

      BLACK HORSE INN (Former) - Physical Description 1

      The former Black Horse Inn, located at 66 Whyte Street Coleraine, is a small, single storey rendered hotel in two sections, constructed of locally made bricks. The eastern half is the taller, with a single arched entrance and two double hung sash windows. This may have been the residential section of the hotel. It is in a simple Renaissance revival style with rusticated walls, an intermediate cornice, from which spring the arches of the door and windows, all surmounted by a plain frieze and parapet. The western half is lower, possibly the older portion and may have been the public bar. It has a central doorway, now much altered, and a large window, now plate glass, on either side.

      The former Black Horse Inn is typical of smaller hotels in the mid nineteenth century, single storey, brick, opening directly onto the main street, containing a bar, residence and a few small rooms for accommodation and stables at the rear.

      Historical Australian Themes

      BLACK HORSE INN (Former) - Historical Australian Themes

      3. Developing local, regional and national economies

      3.12.5 Retailing foods and beverages

      3.22 Lodging people

      3.23 Catering for tourists

      4. Building settlements, towns and cities

      4.5 Making settlements to serve rural Australia

      8. Developing Australia's cultural life

      8.4 Eating and drinking

      8.14 Living in the country and rural settlements

      Usage/Former Usage

      BLACK HORSE INN (Former) - Usage/Former Usage

      Residential

      Integrity

      BLACK HORSE INN (Former) - Integrity

      The facade has been changed by the alteration of both doorways, the introduction of a canopy over one and the alteration of all the windows.

      Physical Description 2

      BLACK HORSE INN (Former) - Physical Description 2

      John S Jenkins, Hamilton architect for alterations in 1867

      Isaac Gelston Gray, policeman, publican, auctioneer

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study

      Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
      Year: 2002
      Grading:

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