OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - TASMANIA - 2007

Place:    “Lenna”  628 Forth Main Road,  Forth

Threat:  Destruction and Complete Loss of Heritage Values

Significance:

 “Lenna” is a weatherboard building with a pair of gabled roofs, one to the front and one to the rear. The roofs feature decorative bargeboards and attic windows, the one on the rear gable being a diamond shape. The front section features a concave verandah on three sides. “Lenna” is the original house of Fenton family and one of the few surviving settlers houses in the region

This building faces Grove Street and is a significant element in the streetscape. It is of historic heritage significance because it demonstrates the principal characteristics of a single story weatherboard Victorian Rustic Gothic domestic building. These characteristics are found in the external form, construction methods and the detailing, both externally and internally. “Lenna” has strong meaning for the community because it demonstrates aspects of Victorian society and in a semi-rural location it contributes a sense of history and built character to the landscape.

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 explored to provide incentives for regular maintenance.