View Wanslea at 78-80 Railway Street from the public street edge. Follow the venue's signed access arrangements for any visit beyond the frontage.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows built the original orphanage here in 1905, with the first children arriving in 1906. Look for the linked-chain emblem, representing the Odd Fellows' ideals of Friendship, Love and Truth, among the details of the Federation Free Style building.
During the Second World War the site became the Lady Mitchell Convalescent Home for servicemen. Soldiers were transferred here from military hospitals and, later in the war, returned prisoners of war recuperated here. The Army and Red Cross added new facilities, including the recreation hall that survives beside the original building.
After the war Florence Hummerston helped establish Wanslea here to care temporarily for children whose parents were dealing with illness or other difficulties, supporting families rather than permanently separating them.
That tradition of care continues in new forms. The main heritage complex is now home to Solaris Cancer Care Cottesloe, supporting people affected by cancer and their carers, while the former wartime recreation hall is used by North Cottesloe Primary School as Wanslea Pre-Primary.