I haven't seen anything quite like it. It is clearly Gothic revival 
including the lack of symmetry. I would guess the inspiration is from 
medieval stair turrets (which have a viewing gallery on the final storey).
The sort of original model is ilustrated by the palace of Jacques de 
Couer in Bourges (France) though is very elaborate as he was very rich 
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bourges_cour_du_palais_jacques_c%C5%93ur-croped.jpg
Given the buildings overall simplicity I would think that the intention 
was probably to give it a simple pointed roof. There would have been a 
huge range of potential models in print at this date both genuine 
medieval buildings and neo Gothic interpretations. But most trained 
architects could have knocked this sort of simple facade design up from 
memory having seen many similar buildings and perhaps been set to draw 
medieval buildings as apprentices.
Agricultural and estate manual would have given some guidance on the 
functional aspects of the building design but the facade was down to taste.

paul


On 13/02/2011 09:04, Ian Evans wrote:
> Stables research and DropBox
>
> Dear HistArchers,
>
> I think I've got this sorted now. This link should work:
>
> http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20960923/D3A6309.jpg
>
> Ian Evans
>
> Dear HistArchers,
>> The owners of a grand stables building in the Midlands of Tasmania are
>> seeking to complete the unfinished tower of this 1851 stone building.
>> Unfortunately, no plans are known to exist.
>> The architect, Francis Butler, was English and circumstantial evidence
>> suggests he either brought the plans with him or copied the design from an
>> existing building or pattern book.
>> If anyone can suggest a possible source for the building it will be good
>> news indeed for everyone involved in the conservation of a building of
>> regional significance in Tasmania. It occurred to me that members of this
>> list may have come across a similar building in the UK or perhaps elsewhere
>> and that this may provide an indication of the design of the top of the
>> tower.
>> An image of the stables can be seen at
>> https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Shene%20-%20Tasmania/D3A6309.jpg?w=cdba82f5
>>
>> Ian Evans
>>
>> --
>> Ian Evans, OAM
>> The Flannel Flower Press&  World of Old Houses (www.oldhouses.com.au)
>> PO Box 591
>> Mullumbimby, NSW, Australia 2482
>> Phone/fax 02 6684 7677
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> Date:    Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:39:06 +0000
>> From:    paul courtney<[log in to unmask]>
>> Subject: Re: Researching 19th century stables building
>>
>> Couldn't access picture it wanted me to log in. I have certainly seen
>> 19th century stables with central tower in Uk
>>
>> paul
>>
>>