inHerit Logo

Byfield House

Author

Shire of Northam

Place Number

01878
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.

Location

30 Gordon St Northam

Location Details

Local Government

Northam

Region

Avon Arc

Construction Date

Constructed from 1904

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents More information
Heritage List Adopted 19 Feb 2020
State Register Registered 07 Feb 1997 Register Entry
Assessment Documentation
Heritage Council

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management More information
Category Description
Municipal Inventory Adopted 25 Feb 1998

Classified by the National Trust Classified 04 Mar 1980

Heritage Council
Register of the National Estate Permanent 28 Sep 1982

Heritage Council

Statement of Significance

Byfield House has aesthetic significance as a fine example of a turn of the century residence, demonstrating the wealth of the owner who built the place. It has historical significance as the home of prominent Northam personality and businessman, James Byfield. It is aesthetically pleasing and contributes to the streetscape of residential Gordon Street, and as a landmark in that area.

Physical Description

The facade is centred around a double height tower, central on the symmetrical frontage. The tower includes a porch with a rounded arch opening at ground level and balustraded balcony above. The ground level verandah is covered with a bullnose roof while the main roof is tiled with closed eaves and decorative terracotta saddle ridge and hip capping. Vertical dormer windows with timber finials and decorative barge boards flank the upper level balcony. Other features include face brickwork, quoined corners, turned timber verandah balustrades and decorative metal valance.

History

James Byfield moved to Northam in 1898. He designed his home as well as other significant buildings in Northam. He was a leading building contractor and he also established a coach building business. He successfully operated the flour mill between 1883 and 1902. James Byfield was a leading member of the Temperance Movement, which became very influential in the district. He served on the Council for 35 years from 1879 to 1914. He was also the owner of the first car in Northam, a 1904 Oldsmobile. Byfield was killed tragically in an accident in 1914 when a horse harnessed to a wagon moved, causing the wagon to crush him. Since that time Byfield House has had a number of owners. At one stage it operated as a restaurant.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate degree
Authenticity: Moderate degree

Condition

Internal fabric at Byfield House is good, some of the brickwork and roof tiles are in poor condition, and overall, Byfield House is in good condition.

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
1998 Municipal Inventory Town of Northam 1998

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
5817 Byfield House Northam : conservation plan. Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} 2002
9047 Byfield House, Northam. Conservation works final report. Conservation works report 2008

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Other Use MILITARY Office or Administration Bldg
Present Use RESIDENTIAL Two storey residence
Other Use COMMERCIAL Restaurant
Original Use RESIDENTIAL Two storey residence

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Queen Anne

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron
Wall BRICK Pointed Brick
Roof TILE Cement Tile

Historic Themes

General Specific
PEOPLE Famous & infamous people
PEOPLE Early settlers
OUTSIDE INFLUENCES World Wars & other wars
OCCUPATIONS Mining {incl. mineral processing}

Creation Date

30 May 1989

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

21 Feb 2020

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.