The National Trust of Western Australia will soon be seeking expressions of interest for a commercial tenant to lease the Mill Manager’s House in historic Jarrahdale.
The redevelopment of The Mill Manager’s House at Jarrahdale aligns closely with the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale Tourism Strategy 2018–23 and will bring economic and social dividends to the town.
The Mill Manager’s House was built in 1881 when Jarrahdale was the site of the first major timber milling operations in Western Australia, playing a key role in the export of jarrah around the world making significant contributions to the State’s economic growth.
The timber industry started in the district in the 1870s with at least 15 steam mills at various locations over the years. Timber was a key industry in Jarrahdale with most of the 600 or so people who lived in the town dependent either directly or indirectly on the timber industry. Milling officially ended in 1997.
“This beautiful property is now rare, being one of only a few surviving purpose-built mill managers’ residences that remain in their original setting in Western Australia,” said Julian Donaldson, National Trust CEO. “We are very excited to have a new use that will activate the house and link into the Shire’s key tourism initiatives.”
Significant renovations were carried out in the 1950s while the mill was still operational. Recent conservation works, supported by a Royalties for Regions Grant through the Peel Development Commission.
The granting of a change of use from single house to holiday accommodation means there is now potential for the Mill Manager’s House to make a perfect spot to base yourself to stay and unwind in this beautiful area.
The recent works included conservation of the weatherboard cladding, structural repairs, new gutters and painting. Internal upgrades involved new bathrooms, kitchen and services. The timber framed garage and wash house were conserved and, with the Mill Manager’s House, paint a picture of life in the timber town.
Details of the Expression of Interest will be published on our website and in our eNews.