History of Basildene
The proud history of Basildene Manor has its beginnings at the turn of the century.

The first owner, Percy Willmott, a lighthouse keeper at Cape Leeuwin, resolutely set about to build an imposing home resembling a relative's grand country estate in England.

Inspired by the beautiful and unique natural materials abounding in Margaret River, he painstakingly built a residence that would stand as a beacon of grandeur against the surrounding karri trees. The Manor is shaded at the front by a huge oak tree that was planted around 1930 from an acorn acquired from the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

Granite rocks were quarried on the property and the finest selected to build the magnificent walls, while inside superbly finished local jarrah was used to fashion the staircases, balustrades, the floors and the majestic central gallery and main hall.

Today, Basildene still stands proud and guests from all over the world are drawn to its charms and a sense of history from a bygone era.

In 1978 Basildene Manor was classified by The National Trust of Australia as a significant heritage property.