Wansbrough House
& Wansbrough Heritage Cottage B&B
Wansbrough Cottage is the only small B&B in York awarded listing on the State Register of Heritage Places.
It is National Trust Classified and listed on the Australian Heritage Register.
The colonial c1859 heritage cottage B&B is separate from and at the rear of the main house.
It offers comprehensive quality facilities for all seasons, hearty Australian country breakfasts,
complete privacy, genuine colonial character and a real sense of early Australian colonial history.
You have sole guest status in a unique B&B on an acre of magnificent mature landscaped gardens.
For details scroll, click any menu item below, telephone +61 (08) 9641 2887 or eMail now by clicking >>>>> wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au
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Introduction>>>>>>B&B Features>>>>>>>B&B Details>>>>>>B&B Breakfast>>>>>>Plan of the B&B Cottage>>>>>>B&B Tariff>>>>>>B&B Testimonials
History>>>>>Heritage Significance>>>>>Heritage Credentials>>>>>Gardens>>>>>Present Owners>>>>>Location>>>>>News>>>>>Contact Us>>>>>Links
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Wansbrough House is 97 Km east of Perth in the Avon Valley and 400m south of the York Town Hall on the left at Bland Bridge next to Bland Brook.
Wansbrough House web site updated January 2006 ®Wansbrough House at York ©kjb0106 22 Avon Terrace York Western Australia 6302
Introduction
The c1859 B&B cottage in Spring photographed through the friendly gate, over the rooftops and from the vege patch.
Wansbrough House, like many other places in York, is classified by the National Trust,
but because of its special heritage status Wansbrough House and Cottage is the only small B&B in York
also awarded permanent listing on the State Register of Heritage Places
by the Heritage Council of Western Australia.
The tariff includes sole guest status at a unique heritage site, the entire heritage cottage c1859 with its
comprehensive quality facilities for all seasons, complete privacy, magic gardens
and a hearty Australian cooked country breakfast
As you enter the cottage you step back in time into genuine colonial character
and experience a real sense of early Australian colonial history.
Wansbrough House heritage B&B offers a top class getaway in a wonderful and peaceful old cottage.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
B&B Features
Step into the cottage and step back in time.
Unique
Genuine c1859 colonial character
Period antique decor
One acre of magnificent mature gardens on Bland Brook
First class comprehensive facilities
You are the only guests and have complete privacy
The only small B&B in York on the State Heritage Register
National Trust Classified and on the Australian Heritage Register
Secluded setting
Separate cottage with private ensuite
Stroll 400m to central York with restaurants, galleries and shops
Private entrance
Secure off-street parking
A wonderful and peaceful old cottage
Wansbrough House and grounds have permanent listing on the State Register of Heritage Places.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
B&B Details
The simple colonial character antique decor of the B&B cottage. Once young George’s entire home.
Wansbrough House, cottage and the entire grounds are a completely smoke free site.
The heritage B&B cottage is a well appointed and cosy room with character.
The original two room cottage has been converted into a large single room and an enclosed verandah
has an ensuite and drink making mini kitchen providing a total area of 35 square metres.
There is a wrought iron queen bed with electric blanket, doona, patchwork quilt and non-allergenic linen;
floor rugs on original old jarrah boards; a pot belly wood fire, reverse cycle air conditioning and ceiling fan;
TV, CD player and radio; day chairs and small table; antique furniture and colonial character decor.
There is a large selection of magazines, books, CDs and period newspapers.
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The heritage B&B cottage is a cosy and comfortable room ..... with character.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
More B&B Details
The cosy interior of the colonial character B&B cottage - a step back in time but with modern conveniences.
Wansbrough House, cottage and the entire grounds are a completely smoke free site.
The mini kitchen at one end of the enclosed verandah has drink making facilities with a variety
of teas and coffees. There is crockery, cutlery and wine glasses for two settings and
complimentary offerings of fresh fruit, confectionary, chocolates and biscuits,
The fridge contains complimentary unsweetened orange juice,
filtered water and full cream milk.
The private ensuite has heritage tiles with a shower, toilet and hand basin.
It occupies one end of the enclosed verandah.
BBQ facilities, snacks and a picnic basket are available by prior arrangement.
A guided tour of the old buildings and grounds is offered for guests or drop-in visitors with an interest in heritage and conservation.
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The heritage B&B cottage is a cosy and comfortable room ..... with everything you could want.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
B&B Breakfast
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Breakfast is served in the garden gazebo in fine weather or in the morning room of the main house beside a cosy pot belly.
Menu
A hearty Australian cooked country breakfast
Orange juice
Fresh fruit and home stewed fruit in season
A variety of cereals and yoghurts
Eggs fried, scrambled, omelette or poached in milk and presented with crispy bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms and condiments.
Toasted fresh baked home made whole grain bread with a selection of preserves.
Teas and coffees
Start your day with a hearty Australian cooked country breakfast or a special selection
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
Plan of the B&B cottage - the original c1859 structure
The surviving fabric of the c1859 cottage gives clues about its history and construction.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
B&B Tariff
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Rear of the B&B c1859 cottage viewed through a garden gate and from under the studio verandah.
Rates from Friday to Sunday are seasonal from $150.00 per night per couple
for sole guest status at a unique heritage site, the entire cottage and
hearty Australian country cooked breakfasts.
Midweek nights are discounted.
Stay a third night for an additional discount.
Payment is only by cash or cheque.
Commonwealth Bank, Bendigo Bank and multi-user ATMs are located in the town.
Book well in advance of York festival weekends and peak seasons.
The heritage cottage B&B provides sole guest status top class accommodation at a reasonable price.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
B&B Testimonials
Without exception guests praise the quality facilities, service, privacy and relaxed atmosphere.
"This has been a very special stop on our tour through WA, and it will remain a very special memory" David & Miriam (America)
"Wonderful welcome. Super surroundings" Douglas & Betty (NZ) "Idyllic. Secluded. Serene. Romantic" Vaughan & Donna (Perth)
"From the moment we drove in to the moment we left we loved it. The house, history and company were wonderful." Barbara & Rick (America)
"A delightful step back in time. We loved it." Amelia & Andrew (South Africa) "A truly wonderful old house." Clive & Sarah (Sydney)
"The attention to detail in this gorgeous room is amazing. Thank you for making this moment in our lives extra special." Maria & John (Perth)
"Absolutely unique" Marilyn & Bruce (Perth) "A lovely peaceful place." Jenny (Perth) "Absolutely fantastic!" Harry & Vicky (Perth)
"We came needing peace and tranquility and found it here. The cottage and gardens are an absolute delight." Monica & Michael (Perth)
"We didn't expect to find Eden in Western Australia but you have created a beautiful, warm artistic place." Sue & Bob (America)
"What a lovely, warm, safe and romantic little cottage." Katherine & David (Perth) "Simply beautiful." Gerri & Michael (Perth)
"The cottage is perfect - the fire, flowers, antique furniture and cleanliness." Fatima & Michael (Perth)
"A wonderful stay. Attention to detail is superb." Claire & Jamie (Perth) "We were really lucky to find this beautiful place." Ali & Bernie (Germany)
"Lovely cottage. Lovely People. Lovely atmosphere of old world charm and history." Lyn & Anthony (Perth)
"The best B&B we've stayed in. Great character and hospitality." Val & Ian (Perth) "Smashing breakfast" David & Carol (England)
"Wonderful house, gardens and cottage and fabulous hospitality." Ann & Geoff (United Kingdom) "Simply the best!" Libby & John (Melbourne)
A proud and proven record of excellence
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
History
George and Fanny Wansbrough c1877
George Wansbrough built Wansbrough House in stages, completing the
cottage in 1859 and the main house in two stages in 1860 and by 1866.
He is variously described as coach maker, wheelwright, cabinet maker,
carpenter, builder, shop keeper and, late in life, undertaker.
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More history
George came to York from Perth when he finished his seven year apprenticeship as a contractor at age 21. In those times contractors (builders) were skilled in all the trades needed to construct a building. Several of the buildings George constructed in York can be viewed today. He was a private man reticent to promote his personal achievements. His charming personality and cheery disposition ingratiated him with a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
His public and private actions demonstrated everything that was clean and ennobling.
It is claimed that he set an example that others might endeavour to copy.
Fanny was recognised throughout her married life as a woman of good health and humour, and late in life with a valued knowledge of the early days of settlement. She became a prominent member of the Methodist Church in York and was an energetic worker for that cause.
George married Fanny in 1866 at Saint Matthew’s Church at Guildford. She was born in Fremantle in 1845 and spent her childhood days in Guildford. After the reception they journeyed over two days from Guildford to York. They experienced eighty kilometres of bush track through the wilderness of the Jarrah and Wandoo forests; a lonely road with only three or four staging points for water, food and lodging. George and Fanny spent their first night at the “Lakes”, about half way to York. The next day they arrived at the wooded Avon River valley and York.
From a newspaper interview on their 50th wedding anniversary in 1916 George stated that he and Fanny arrived to a newly completed home - thought to be the completed main house today.
They had seven children; Florence, Laudie, Hannah, Murray, Harry, Ivy and Neta. All were born in York between 1867 and 1886. Harry was the last surviving family member to live in the house. It passed out of family hands in 1936.
George and Fanny lived in the house until George’s death at age 85 in 1920.
Fanny continued to live there and died in 1931 at age 86.
They share a common grave in the York Pioneer Cemetery located at the foot of Mount Brown and overlooking Wansbrough House, their home of nearly seventy years.
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Wansbrough House is testament to the efforts and skills of pioneers like George and Fanny.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
Heritage Significance
Some architectural details of Wansbrough House
Wansbrough House and grounds is of heritage significance to the national estate because it :
... contributes to the character of the important surrounding Blandstown Heritage Precinct
.... is a landmark feature on the Avon Terrace
.... is a good example of Victorian Georgian c1840-c1890 buildings
.... is in good condition and retains a high level of integrity and authenticity
.... has close association with a local builder and prominent citizen who contributed to the early development of York
.... demonstrates good quality construction using local materials and traditional construction methods
.... contributes to the community's sense of place in the evolution of York.
The street facade of house and garden wall is of considerable cultural heritage significance.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
Heritage Credentials
Wansbrough House and Cottage viewed from the rear when under demolition orders late 1981 and before restoration.
National Trust of Australia (WA)
Classified 1 November 1976
Register of the National Estate of Australia
Permanent 21 March 1978
York Town Planning Scheme
Included before March 1995
York Shire Municipal Inventory of Heritage Places
Listed before March 1995
Western Australian Register of Heritage Places
Interim 13 July 2001 and Awarded Permanent 14 December 2001 : Place 2830
The unique cultural and economic value of heritage places should be respected and acknowledged.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
Gardens & Grounds
Wansbrough House has one of the best gardens in York.
As sole guests you have an acre of magic gardens and grounds to yourselves.
Each season is different - the crispness of Winter, the colours of Autumn and Spring and the green of
Summer are each special. The mature and reticulated gardens have extensive landscaping.
Plantings include one hundred roses, twenty flowering fruit trees, six grape vines, assorted deciduous and
native species and a diversity of cottage plants. The house gardens merge into a broad landscape that sweeps
down to Bland Brook across a lawned river terrace planted with assorted native trees and shrubs mixed with
remnant indigenous species. There is a folly, garden entrance, gazebo, garden room and several secluded
garden seating hideaways and other places where visitors can rest, read, reflect and enjoy their surrounds.
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The river terrace on Bland Brook and the driveway to the studio.
Wansbrough House was selected twice as a open garden for York’s Spring Garden Festival
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More Gardens
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Bland Brook in Spring, the river flat and the house from Bland Brook.
Gardening is a challenge.
The site is one acre. Gardens occupy most of the site. They slope gently down to Bland Brook.
The subsoil is fine iron rich clay with very low permeability. The very thin surface layer is heavy clay loam.
The soil is improved by annual tilling and the addition of mulched pea straw, river sand and gypsum.
Temperatures range from -6 Celsius in winter to 45 Celsius in summer.
Water is not abundant and underground supplies are salty.
The river terrace on Bland Brook provides vistas across a broad expanse of grass with salt tolerant endemic trees.
Drop-in visitors are welcome to view the gardens.
There are four sections to the garden. Each requires a different maintenance regime.
Entrance gardens reveal changing views around the sweeping arc of the driveway.
Cottage gardens around the front and side of the house are a mass of mixed plantings.
A vegetable patch at the back of the house has fruit trees and seasonal plantings.
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More Gardens Again
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Cottage garden pathway, rose pergola, vege patch, a quiet seat under the pear tree, over the main gate and a garden entry.
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A well planned and maintained garden gives a special quality to life.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
Present Owners
Breakfast is served in the garden or in the cosy breakfast room shown above.
Those people whose dream is to own and restore a heritage home often encounter comments such as 'courageous' (as in that delightful television program 'Yes Minister'), 'crazy', 'gluttons for punishment', 'more money than sense' or 'do you know what you've really taken on'. Such comments hit a nerve but the decision to make Wansbrough House our home in 1997 was none of these. After twenty seven years in our much loved Kelmscott home, a lifetime raising a family (which never ends) and retirement imminent for both of us, we were ripe for a different type of challenge in our life. We share a love of gardening, a bit of space and old buildings, and respect our heritage. Wansbrough House has the potential to offer it all.
However an old house is a black hole for time, effort and money. It can also lead to ‘restoration burnout’.
Despite that, it is our adventure and we are not crazy ..... well perhaps just a little!
Robin and Ken ..... with help from Arnold the schnauzer and geese Naomi, Hannah and Shosannah.
Share with us a passion for the conservation of our diminishing heritage.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
Location
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Entry gate to the driveway and location sketch map
Wansbrough House is located in York, Western Australia’s oldest inland town, 97 Km (75 minutes) east of Perth.
The house is only a 400 metre (5 minute) stroll south of the York town hall.
It is on the left next to picturesque Bland Bridge on Bland Brook.
The B&B is the c1859 cottage at the rear of the main house, away from the road and surrounded by gardens
Wansbrough House is a pleasant country drive only seventy five minutes from central Perth.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
News
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More news
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Breaking News
Some photographs of the open garden day 19 October 2003.
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Share with us a passion for the conservation of our diminishing heritage.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
Contact Us
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The front and rear verandahs of the main house. The B&B cottage can be seen at background right next to the rear verandah.
Wansbrough House, cottage and the entire grounds are a completely smoke free site.
Please contact us for pamphlets, more information or bookings
Direct discussion by phone is best
Phone & facsimile +61 (08) 9641 2887
Address 22 Avon Terrace : York : Western Australia : 6302
eMail wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au
Click to eMail for information or bookings
Wansbrough House heritage B&B provides a top quality getaway experience.
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
Links
Morning mist over the paddock fence
Heritage Council of Western Australia
Examine the Register of Heritage Places. Wansbrough House is Place 2830.
Ragged Robin Restaurant
Modern European fine dining in York for that special occasion.
Wansbrough House offers links to friends and relevant sites
Wansbrough House : 22 Avon Terrace : YORK : Western Australia : 6302.......eMail : wansbroughhouse@westnet.com.au........Phone and facsimile : +61 (08) 9641 2887
End of web site www.westnet.com.au/wansbroughhouse ©kjbv0106