‘One of the State’s architectural landmarks’ as described in the The Advocate, 19 November 1977 p.1
Westella was built in 1885 for Anthony Raymond whose family came to Tasmania from Nova Scotia.
The steep pitched roof and barges was in response to Raymonds anticipation of snow. Curiously for a house built for timber merchants ,imported Baltic pine was used in preference to local timbers. Local builder, Mansfield was chosen for its construction and he hand carved the bargeboards and several mantel pieces. The residence stands as testament to the superior craftsmanship of the day and is a fine example of Victorian Gothic Revival.
The Raymonds established with their partner, a company called Cummings, Raymond Co. whose activities included sawmilling, coopering, blacksmithing, jetty and ship building. They played a major role in the early timber industry both as merchants and explorers of the north west coast.
In 1976 the importance of the house was recognised by Mr Ellis, President of the National Trust in the North West, who considered purchasing Westella but was unable to achieve funding.
In 1978 Westella was officially opened as an arts, crafts and antiques gallery by the then Federal Member of Parliament, Mr Ray Groom.
Currently it has operating as a popular B&B and maintains a 4 star rating. The owners have preliminary plans for the addition of two self contained cabins (STCA) to take advantage of peak season occupancies.
Surrounded on three sides by picturesque grazing pasture, this property with its prominent house architecture is distinctively positioned along the eastern approach to Ulverstone and has excellent exposure to passing travellers.
Heritage Registers and/or Schedules:-
Register of the National Estate
The Tasmanian Heritage Register
Schedule 8 : Historical Cultural Heritage, Clause 4.2 of the Central Coast Planning Scheme of 2005 as amended on 11 February 2010
Book references:
Tasmania Sketchbook by Max Argus and Patsy Adam Smith
Early Houses of the North West Coast of Tasmania by Kathleen Cocker
The Cyclopedia of Tasmania, Vol 2,Maitland & Krone
Features:-
8158 m2
Rural Setting
High exposure location
4 Operating Fire Places
Large External Storage Facility
Multiple Room Configurations
B&B commercial grade kitchen
Enjoy as a residence or business