HOUSE & LIMESTONE FEATURE(S), 42 DOURO ROAD

Statement of Significance

House and limestone feature, 42 Douro Road is a typical rendered masonry and iron single storey house dating from 1933 with a limestone front wall. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the South Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Inter War California Bungalow style of architecture.

Physical Description

House and limestone feature, 42 Douro Road is a single storey rendered masonry and iron cottage with an asymmetrical facade constructed 1933. The walls are painted and rendered masonry. The roof is gabled with eaves and clad with corrugated iron. The half verandah is under a separate gabled corrugated iron roof with rendered columns on square rendered masonry piers. The front facade is asymmetrical with a protruding front room with a timber window and corrugated iron awning over. Under the verandah is the front door and a timber framed window. There is a limestone and timber picket fence to the front boundary and a small garden area behind.

History

Between 1900 and 1930, Chesterfield was a separate suburb, focused around Douro Road. The street is named for the Duke of Wellington, who was also the Marquis of Douro, after the Battle of the passage of the Douro River in the Peninsular War. Douro Rd meets Marine Tce, which was formerly Wellington Tce. A 1908 PWD drawing shows a Church of England Sunday School on the south-west corner of Douro Road and Walker Streets, and shops to the street frontage on Douro Road on the corners of Thomas, Hulbert (Jane) and Chester streets. Large stables were also located on the south-east corner of Hulbert and Douro Road.
In 1886, Lot 66 of Subdivision 12 (later 42 Douro Road) was undeveloped land owned and farmed by William Sweetman. The following year a cottage and stables were built on the property. The entries in the rate books remained the same until 1897, although Sweetman was sometimes listed as a farmer and sometimes as a shipwright.
By 1901, the cottage was occupied by George Hanham, although Sweetman continued to own the property. Alfred Sweetman was listed as the occupant in 1903 and in 1904/05. Elizabeth Sweetman was listed as the owner. John Shier, a labourer, was the tenant at this time. Elizabeth Sweetman retained ownership until 1912/13, when the property was purchased by Catherine Krey. The house was sewered in 1912.
Catherine Krey continued to live in the house until 1920/21. Although she was still the owner, Samuel Fullston was recorded as the tenant. The property was sold to Mary Morris in 1929/30 and in June 1930, plans were approved for additions to the house. These were completed by E Back for ₤700. The cost of the additions suggest quite substantial work at this time. [This is supported by an entry in the rate book in 1933/34, which notes that the house was rebuilt.]
In 1940/41, the house was occupied by Frederick Bowering and in 1946, plans were approved for a workshop at the rear of the lot. At this time, the house comprised three bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen, bathroom and verandah.
In 1949/50, the house was occupied by William Smith and the Smith family bought the property in the early 1950s. Members of the Smith family continued to own and live in the house until at least 1987. The house has had a number of owners since this time and in 1996, a two-storey dwelling was built at the rear of the existing house.
This place contains a limestone feature. Limestone walls were built around properties in Fremantle to prevent sand drift in response to an early building regulation dating from the 1830s. The use of limestone is part of the Fremantle landscape and gives the City coherence and character. It is not known how old this particular wall is.
This place was identified in the "Heritage Report on 19th century limestone walls and steps in Fremantle" prepared by Silvana Grassadonia, for the City of Fremantle, 1986.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much 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.