DUPLEX, 39 ATTFIELD STREET

Statement of Significance

Duplex 39 & 41 Attfield Street, a single storey typical weatherboard and iron single storey duplex pair dating from 1880 & 1889 and constructed in the Victorian Georgian style of architecture has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the place has some aesthetic value as an example of Fremantle’s vernacular architecture and for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area;
the place has some historic value as an nineteenth century duplex pair that demonstrates the settlement and development of the Fremantle area, and;
it is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area.

Physical Description

39 Attfield Street are a single storey weatherboard and iron clad duplex pair with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Constructed at different times the duplex pair has a continuous roof over both halves. The walls are timber framed and clad with oiled weatherboards. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. The front verandah is under a broken back corrugated iron roof supported by square timber posts. The edge of the verandah is at the front boundary line and there is a timber picket fence at this line. Each duplex half has a front door with fanlight and timber framed double hung sash and split paned windows. Face brick chimneys are evident. The rear of the site has a courtyard with external bathroom and WC.

History

This property has been consistently numbered 39 Attfield Street. Renumbering of the street in 1934/35 did not affect this residence.
39 Attfield Street was built prior to 1880 when the available rates books for the City of Fremantle commence. Benjamin Shemelds, recorded as a pensioner guard, occupied the cottage for some years and in 1888 it was occupied by Fred K. Leake, a carter. In 1889, the other half of this duplex (41 Attfield) was constructed. This must have involved considerable reconstruction as the two halves are under the same single hipped roof. This may have been the influence of John McNeece, an architect and carpenter who was resident in this cottage in 1890. John McNeece married one of the daughters of Benjamin Shemelds and became the owner of the property prior to the 1920s. He is recognised as the architect of many Fremantle buildings constructed in the 1890s and early 1900s. Later owners were the estate of Frank Biddles and Maurice Salvemini. Later occupants of 39 Attfield Street were Arthur Bedford, a tailor; James Fisher; William Donnelly and C. Jones.
The 1908 sewerage plan of this site shows this duplex is constructed of galvanised iron. The duplex half located at 41 Attfield Street is larger than the adjoining half at 39 Attfield Street. Each duplex half has a verandah at the front and a brick closet in the back yard. 39 Attfield Street has an additional galvanised iron addition on the northern side.
A photograph of the place c. 1980 shows that the building is clad in sheeting, probably asbestos. The single hipped roof is corrugated iron and in good condition. A stone and metal wall is present on the front boundary with cyclone mesh gates.
Information and photographs from real estate articles indicates that this property was renovated in the early 1990s and again in 2004. The place was clad in weatherboards and reroofed including a gable over the front door. The roof structure appears to have changed creating a separate roof structure for each half of the duplex. It seems that the other half of the duplex was not renovated. A picket fence was constructed on the front boundary and off street parking created.
This place received a Conservation Incentives Award in 1991.
A Heritage Assessment was prepared in Sept 2009 by the City of Fremantle for a DA submission to Council for the addition of a dining area and parapet wall at the rear and alterations to facilitate the use of the existing internal rooms.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.