AITKEN'S WATTLE & DAUB COTTAGE
57 Bell Street PENSHURST, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
Aitken's wattle and daub cottage, located at 57 Bell Street Penshurst is a modest dwelling constructed in two stages. The earlier section was built about 1855 using vernacular building techniques including wattle and daub construction. While the corrugated iron roof over the 1855 section is modern, the timber 'in the round' rafters, and remaining hand split shingles belong to this early vernacular structure. The external and internal walls have been clad in fibro-cement sheeting, concealing and protecting the wattle and daub fabric. The later, adjoining structure, probably built in the 1870s, is a simple timber building of one principal room, with a modern addition at the rear. The massive fireplaces in both sections are made of bluestone.
The position of the house at the rear of the large block is a legacy of the demolished tannery, which operated for at least fifty years at the front of the block facing the main street of Penshurst.
How is it significant?
Aitken's wattle and daub cottage is of historical and architectural significance to the township of Penshurst and the Southern Grampians Shire.
Why is it significant?
Aitken's wattle and daub cottage is of historical significance as the oldest surviving residence in Penshurst. It dates from the earliest land sales in the area, following the closure of the Mount Rouse Aboriginal Protectorate. The house and the now demolished tannery were associated for about 70 years with the pioneering Aitken family. The retention of the humble house with its vernacular construction techniques is historically significant, reflecting the desire of the Aitken family to retain the structure at a time when their wealth and social status increased considerably. The house and tannery complex has historical significance for its associations with the development of industry and commerce in Penshurst. It has further historical significance for its long occupancy by Robert Aitken, civic leader, and local councillor for many years, and later occupancy by the Kelly and Eales families, who were early settlers in the district.
Aitken's wattle and daub cottage is of architectural significance as a rare surviving example of vernacular building techniques, including wattle and daub walls, timber 'in the round' rafters, and a few remaining hand split roof shingles. The high degree of integrity of the fabric of this early dwelling reflects its history of regular maintenance and improvements, and uninterrupted use as a family home.
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AITKEN'S WATTLE & DAUB COTTAGE - Physical Conditions
The condition of the store is very good.
AITKEN'S WATTLE & DAUB COTTAGE - Physical Description 1
The A. J. Page Electrical Store at 91a Bell Street, Penshurst has two parts. To the south of the site is a plain, utilitarian structure built of Mount Gambier Stone with a corrugated iron roof and a stepped pediment surmounting the facade. The eastern part of the site has a wide driveway and rear area currently used for storage. The physical layout of the site reflects its earlier use as a motor garage and workshop. The original doorway provided motor access to the garage has been infilled with a smaller modern door and glass surrounds. Large modern display windows are located on either side of the entrance. There are two symmetrical chimneys located to the front of either side of the building.
AITKEN'S WATTLE & DAUB COTTAGE - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 3: Developing local, regional and national economies
3.19 Marketing and Retailing
Theme 4: Building settlements, towns and cities
4.1 Planning urban settlementsAITKEN'S WATTLE & DAUB COTTAGE - Usage/Former Usage
shop
AITKEN'S WATTLE & DAUB COTTAGE - Integrity
Good degree of integrity, despite the loss of original front door and windows.
AITKEN'S WATTLE & DAUB COTTAGE - Physical Description 2
R Schramm
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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PENSHURST PROTECTORATE SITEVictorian Heritage Inventory
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A. J. PAGE ELECTRICAL STORESouthern Grampians Shire
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ST ANDREW'S UNITING CHURCHSouthern Grampians Shire
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'Altona' Homestead (Formerly 'Laverton' Homestead) and Logan ReserveHobsons Bay City
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