It is listed on the State Register for its significance as a highly authentic building constructed by early settlers in Western Australia. It is part of three remaining buildings from the original Australind settlement, including Saint Nicholas Church and Upton House.
In 1840, William Dacres Williams sent building materials before he departed from England to the proposed settlement of Australind. Arriving on the Trusty, he and his wife, who was expecting their first child, first lived in a tent.
The building was to become The Prince of Wales Hotel and held one of two liquor licences in the short-lived West Australian Land Company Australind settlement. Consisting of three rooms and a hallway, it served many weary travellers on their long trips along the Coast Road from Perth to the South West.
Initially, it was surrounded by bush and located next to Duns Pond, a freshwater source used as a watering hole for cattle.
Williams became disheartened with supplying alcohol to the travellers and sold the hotel to James Witt for £200 in 1843. Witt later sold the hotel and land to John Allnutt for the sum of £25.
On purchasing the Prince of Wales, John Allnutt changed the name to Henton Cottage after his home town in Buckinghamshire, England. During the Allnutt period of residence, he added two rooms to the western side of the cottage.
Over the years, the cottage fell into disrepair until it was purchased by the Nutley family, who completed major restoration work in 1979.
Henton Cottage is now home to Australind Artisan Collective and is your perfect place for locally handcrafted gifts and artwork.
Keep an eye out for their regular weekend markets held on the lawns surrounding the cottage.
Located in Henton Cottage, the Australind Artisan Collective is a treasure trove of discovery. You will find unique and diverse, quality-made gifts by local artisans, ranging from beautiful prints and paintings, woodwork, and fabric items plus local honey, jams and chutneys. Wander through the rooms of the cottage to find the perfect gift for someone or just a treat for yourself.
