Alexander House B&B, 187 Scott Parade, East Ballarat   

Creative Reuse of a Heritage Place - Finalist

Alexandra House B&B, 187 Scott Parade, East Ballarat

Owner: P. Beeson

Builder/Tradesperson: Owner

Alexandra House B&B (C.1907) was formerly part of the Alexandra Toddler Home. The Toddler’s home closed in 1973 and from then until 1999 the house was used as an elderly people’s home and as special accommodation.  The property was purchased in 2002 and the current owner has spent the last 6 years repairing, replacing and restoring most of the property.

The original ornamental fretwork on the front verandah was missing (as were many other elements of the building inside and outside).  Photographs were sourced which showed the original ornamental fretwork on the front verandah.  Using these photographs as a guide, along with surviving physical evidence like marks on the existing posts and verandah beams, the original details were painstakingly reproduced.  Likewise, the internal works were to a high standard though the judging panel found it difficult to tell what was original, what was reproduced and what was based on conjecture.  Inappropriate previous works have been removed.  Work has been carried out to a high standard and is in sympathy with the era and style of the building.