Former guesthouse

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Early Boarding House

1 Brown Street

Built on land originally sold by the Crown to J F Corney in 1853, this Federation period guest house has local significance for its architecture and its historical association with the railway station and other nearby buildings, reflecting a past mode of transport and accommodation. The building was constructed about 1910 and exhibits typical materials and detailing for the period. The details are shared with several buildings of the same period including some designed by the Town Clerk and architect, Frank Hammond. ([i]) There is even a suggestion of the Art Nouveau in the half timbered and rough cast gables. The location would have been an ideal position for rail travellers and this building is the equivalent of the typical railway hotels found in other towns. In its heyday during the interwar years it was run by the Misses M & A O'Sullivan, one of the respectable occupations for ladies.

There was a special effort by the Victorian Railways to counter the increasing competition from road traffic in the mid 1930s by improving the service and remodelling of the Hamilton Station. ([ii]) The guest house boasted five water closets, three baths, five basins, a trough and a shower when it was connected to the sewerage in 1938. ([iii]) It is still substantially intact and is in good condition. Because of its position it is the dominating building in the streetscape.

Group

Transient Accommodation

Category

Boarding/ Guest House