Patrick Taylor's Cottage
Visit the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia built in 1832.
Patrick Taylor's Cottage is the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia, having been built by the Morley Brothers in 1832 when the town was a military outpost and originally was set on a 240 acre block (97 ha).
The Cottage was purchased by Patrick Taylor in August 1834 and the eleven room - wattle and daub cottage consists of an entry room, boxroom, parlour, nursery, bedroom, dining room, family room, sewing room, kitchen, laundry and side verandah.
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The wattle and daub construction is a representation of the traditional building used by the early settlers and is a clay which was literally packed into the cavities between the mats and poles.
Sometimes the daub was mixed with chaff or cow manure for greater durability. The walls were given a final coat of cow manure to make them waterproof. The wooden floors of the cottage are the original boards, which are pit sawn jarrah affixed with hand made nails.
The Cottage is surrounded by a lovely and quaint English cottage garden. The cottage is found at the base of a gently sloping path and has several mature trees and shrubs growing around the cottage.
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The Cottage displays over 2,000 historical items with artefacts from Albany’s history including a vast display of English porcelain and silverware, some of the items dating back to the 1600s.
THE HAUNTED COTTAGE
​While there are many haunted places around Western Australia, look no further than Patrick Taylor's Cottage. It is believed, that every September, the spirit of Major Frederick Ingoldby returns to the cottage around the anniversary of his death.
Major Frederick Ingoldby was a Boer War veteran and doctor and former tenant of Patrick Taylor’s Cottage. He passed away at the Cottage on the 15th September, 1940. Major Ingoldby was injured in combat, he appears dressed in his military uniform with his arm in a sling.
According to staff the feeling of a continued presence and being watched is reported often. Staff have also found items that have been moved or knocked over and voices from other rooms, but only to find, no one is there.
GENERAL ADMISSION
Albany Historical Society Members: Free
Adults: $6.00
Concession: $6.00
Children (5yrs and over): $4.00
Children (under 5 yrs): Free
Family: $15.00
For School or Group Bookings, click here.
EFTPOS and Cash accepted.
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Please note: If you buy a member or concession ticket, you must show your proof of concession or membership card upon arrival.
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Friday: 11.00 am to 3.00pm
Saturday: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Sunday: 11.00am to 3.00pm
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Closed: Good Friday and Christmas Day