Pyrmont, Albany

It is built of granite and has nine bedrooms and outbuildings.[1] The projecting wings have distinctive curvilinear parapeted gable and bay windows. The roof is made from hipped corrugated iron and topped with rendered brick decorative chimneys. Enclosed in a verandah the building is set on 3,400 square metres (0.840 acres) of low manicured gardens. Pyrmont is based on the South African Cape Dutch Colonial architectural design.[2]

The building was established in 1858.[2] The name Pyrmont is taken from the small principality in Prussia where Princess Helena of Waldeck and Pyrmont (the wife of Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany) was from.[2]

Originally constructed as a home for local businessman and representative of P&O Shipping line, Thomas Meadows Gillam, it was later occupied by his son, William. In 1887 the property was purchased by Robert Andrew Muir, who later became Mayor of Albany.[2]

By 1898 the building was being used as a school house by Ms McPherson, who was the principal,[3] and in 1904 was the home of a dress making business.[4] Late the same year the place was for sale.[5]

George Hill acquired the property in 1911 for an estimated £2000 and then 24 hours later sold it to Edward Barnett, apart from a small part of the property which was kept for future development.[6]

Following Barnett's death in 1952 the property was placed on the market,[1] and sold to the Country Women's Association in 1953. The CWA opened Pyrmont as a club facility early the following year.[7] Later they also acquired the adjoining block, which once held tennis courts, and used the area to build their hall.[2] During this time the building was used as a boarding house for young teachers and the grounds used by primary school children as a play area. By 1966 the CWA could no long afford the upkeep and Pyrmont was sold to a local car dealership, Barnesby motors, which used it as a bulk spare parts store.[2] Over a decade later the building was so dilapidated it was mooted for demolition but community opposition prevailed and the building was eventually sold to Robert and Lucy Winlow in 1981.[2] The Winlows restored the building and it was later converted to a reception centre and restaurant by Nilla and John Spark in 1994.[2]

The building was classified by the National Trust in 1977, and listed on the State Register of Heritage Places in 2002.[2]

The Great Southern Development Commission currently occupies the building with offices for 13 staff.[8]

• List of places on the State Register of Heritage Places in the City of Albany

35.021641°S 117.882018°E / -35.021641; 117.882018