By the time Hugh Hiscutt took ownership of the property in 1903, Watcombe House was in a state of disrepair requiring much needed refurbishment. The main building, which was quadrangular in shape, contained 25 rooms and a flower garden within. It overlooked what was then a main road. Directly in front were bathing boxes on the beach. Under Hiscutt’s management, the resort underwent major renovations including the installation of hot and cold water and acetylene gas lighting.
It is said that Watcombe House was originally built as a store in 1875 and later converted into a resort by Thomas Sullock during the 1880s.
According to the heritage register, Watcombe House is considered to be of historic heritage significance because of "its ability to demonstrate the principal characteristics of a weatherboard Victorian Rustic Gothic domestic building." In other words, it is a simple weatherboard cottage with a gabled roof and decorative battens, tie and finial. The attic windows have been modified and the ground floor windows are double hung.
1 Comment
Terry C
31/12/2018 09:22:09
To the best recolections of my brother and I, the West wing burnt down in 1952, mabe 53.
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