Tasmania is renowned for the rich heritage of historic buildings but even by Tasmania's standards, The Manse in Kempton, built in the early 1840's from convict made bricks in Old Colonial Regency style, the architectural style is rare and significant. The Manse was built for Reverend Joseph Beazley, the first minister of the Congregational Church in the Green Ponds area. Beazley arrived in Van Diemen’s Land in 1836 and it wasn’t long before he had chosen Green Ponds to be the centre of his missionary work.
He worked tirelessly around the area to promote his ideals and the teachings of the Congregational Church and it is reported that he was received in every area he visited with kindness and cordiality. The Reverend Mr Beazley was a great promoter of education and worked hard to guide the people of Green Ponds away from the torrents of vice that he believed was all to prevalent in the township.
This notable building is single storey with a hipped roof, subtle pilasters and horizontal banding on the façade, three multi-paned windows and a dormer window. Unusual for the period, the building is sited well back from the road providing a front garden and privacy for the residence. The original fifteen paned windows are generous and well positioned and throw wonderful light into the well proportioned rooms.
The Manse is built to an unusual design, having its main entrance facing away from the street, located on the side of the building. Enter by the six panel Cedar side door with fan light and the impression is one of harmony and originality; it is the perfect property to showcase a treasure-trove of early furniture, artwork and collectables. The accommodation is generous with an elegant sitting room, lounge and adjoined dining room, separate kitchen with access to the original cellar, two double bedrooms (one bedroom is currently being used as a library) and a bathroom. Upstairs are two double bedrooms, recently upgraded bathroom and storage area.
The property sits on the original grant of 4262 square metres with a mature garden to the rear of the home and falls away in a gentle sloping paddock to the Green Ponds Rivulet. There is an old stable in the paddock and sheep that belong to a neighbor graze the area. This beautiful building is currently a private residence. During renovations undertaken on the premises, letters were found at the property along with other correspondence including minutes of meetings and tickets to local social events.
Main Information & Text Sources –
Interpretive Signs at the site
