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Lexington - Captain Bob: Cocos Keeling Oceania House



We took the ferry to Home Island to go on a tour of Oceania House which was built by the Clune-Ross Family. The Clune-Ross family were some of the first people to claim and inhabit the island. They tried to establish a copra exporting business which they did but moderately unsuccessfully. They heard that there were mineral surveyors on Christmas Island which prompted them to send people to Christmas Island to establish a claim to the island. Phosphate was discovered and they received half ownership in the phosphate production. This was their ticket to wealth to some degree. With that wealth came grandiosity in the form of a house of 12 acres. The bricks had a porcelain type finish on the outer surface which helped them to withstand the elements of salt and sea and wind. The house was victorian. It had a large amount of wood paneling and accoutrements. The wood was teak and iron wood. During the 1970's the house was modernized to it's detriment historically. The roof was low
ered and eves were made. A tower which was 4 stories was taken down.
The last of the Clune-Ross family was forced out by the Australian Government. They were offered 6 million dollars and threatened that they would be force to leave without any compensation if they refused the offer. They remaining family took the money and lost it in investments.
The Australian government held the house in disrepair for several years and then sold it to a couple who agreed to accept the historical regulations on its use and upkeep. They have it as a guest house for small numbers of guest. They have placed their own antiques in the house. I do not know how much they have achieved to restore the house to it's original grandeur. It is my impression that they may have bit off more than the can crew. The wife suggested that her daughter may have to finish their project. I think that could be ruled as child abuse!!!
The first photo is the outside of the house, next a beautiful staircase and then a parlor area.
May fair winds fill your sails with phosphate royalties
Bob
SVLEXINGTON



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