Amateur architect, farmer and pastoralist Alfred Bussell was one of the sons of the Reverend William Bussell educated at Winchester College who arrived in 1830 on the Warrior with his widowed mother and siblings. They started at Augusta and settled at the Vasse, Western Australia.
Bussell married Ellen Heppingstone in 1850 and became a competent amateur architect while building their home 'Ellenbrook’ and then in 1864, 'Wallcliffe’ at Margaret River. This twelve roomed house was made from local limestone and pit-sawn timbers. Alfred was assisted in its construction by George Knapton cabinetmaker, who built the architraves, fire surrounds and other detailing from jarrah, called in those days Swan River Mahogany. An unusual feature for a Western Australian house is the trompe de l’oeil fresco of classical figures in the music room. This was painted circa 1873 by Charles Slade Abraham, the tutor to the Bussell children. Few houses have suffered less depredation and additions. It is a unique survival, a house museum. According to his sister Fanny, Alfred had “[m]any dangerous talents, a strong predilection for social life, a taste for its refinements, and at times a yearning for its pleasures.” No doubt he enjoyed entertaining in the home. They had thirteen children though not all survived to adulthood.
- Writers:
- Dr Dorothy Erickson
- Date written:
- 2010
- Last updated:
- 2011
