OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - TASMANIA - 2007

Place:    Lauderdale Cottage" - New Town, Hobart

Threat:  Deterioration due to unoccupied state

Significance:

Lauderdale Cottage is a single storey sandstone building with a hipped roof and close eaves. There are pilasters and ashlar freestone on the facade. The windows are 12-paned and flank a central Federation door with sidelights and fanlight of Gothic design. The windows have shutters and there are dormer windows in the roof. It is a very fine example of a single story early Georgian sandstone house and an important example of Colonial architecture designed by James A. Thompson, Architect.  Land area consists of 2.4280 square metres plus outbuildings. 

This building is of historic heritage significance because its townscape associations are regarded as important to the community's sense of place. 'Lauderdale' is of historic heritage significance because it demonstrate the principal characteristics of a single story sandstone Victorian Regency domestic building and associated outbuildings.

Statement of Risk:

Degree of Risk:           Immediate Risk – no solution agreed

Threats/Risks:             Deterioration

Fate/outcome:             Suffering

This fine sandstone Victorian Regency Villa was one of a number built in Newtown during the 1840’s.It is survival with its substantial grounds is quite unusual. Largely intact with fine interiors at the time of its recent sale, the house has now been unoccupied for sometime. The potential for deterioration of this important colonial house is considerable.

Desired Outcome / Vision: 

Every effort should be made to encourage the current owners to establish a form of occupancy, if not themselves then by lease or rental to reduce the threat of deterioration posed by its current unoccupied state.