House

Parent Place or Precinct

26001 Chesters Subdivision Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance:
• As an good example of a well designed and detailed “gentleman’s villa” of Subiaco dating from the Federation period.
• For its aesthetic value as a good representative example of a well-designed Federation villa of the Federation period, designed to a style and scale suited to the professional/business classes.
• For its aesthetic contribution to a largely intact group of early twentieth century houses.
• For its association with the ongoing development of Subiaco in the first half of the 20th century period.
• For its association with prominent local architect Oswald Wilson who designed and lived in this residence, and for the demonstration of his domestic designs.

Physical Description

• Traditional single storey of Federation Queen Anne style.
• Brick construction with tuckpoint finish and rendered bands.
• Rendered gable with timbered detailing to the projecting wing.
• Hipped roof with vented gablets clad replacement corrugated metal sheeting.
• The verandah extends across the façade with a slight return along the western elevation. the bullnose canopy is supported on timber posts.
• The main entrance at the northern end of the western verandah leaving the bay window at the front of the house as the main feature of the façade.
• Timber framed casements with top lights.
• The front garden is enclosed by a timber picket fence.

History

James Chesters, an investor from Melbourne, purchased Perth Suburban Lots 249 to
252 in October 1891. In the same month he commenced selling residential lots in a
newly subdivided estate laid out as Deposited Plan 366 (extending across Perth
Suburban Lots 251 and 252). However, it was not until May 1910 that Lot 99 and Part
Lot 100 were transferred from James Chesters to Andrew Oswald Wilson (Architect).
Wilson settled in Heytesbury Road following his marriage to May Livingston in
January 1911, remaining there for about four years. They moved away from
Heytesbury Road while Wilson was serving in England during the war and, following
his return to Australia, settled in New South Wales.
In 1915 the place became the family home of Rose and John (Jack) Hodge, and it
remained in this family until it was advertised for sale in 1954:
£4,500. 3 bedrm., brick Res, elev. Pos., garage, w/shop, blt.-in
cupbds., spac. Fnt. Ver. And bk ver., close to schools, shops.
Transport and park.
Occupants of the property from its time of construction until 1954 included:
• 1911-1914 Andrew Oswald Wilson (Architect)
Known as Oswald Wilson, his architectural work included various buildings in the
Goldfields (c.1903-1908), such as the WCTU Girls Home in Kalgoorlie, Boulder Town
Hall, and St Matthews Anglican Church, Boulder. Newspaper advertisements indicate
that he then specialised in residential work in Perth, before serving with the Ministry
of Munitions in England during WWI.
• 1915-1950 John Hodge (Clerk/Commission Agent/Bookmaker/Director of
Westralian Auto Services)
• 1950-1954 Rose Anne Hodge (Widow)
A plan of the lot prepared in 1927 and reviewed in 1955 for the purpose of planning
sewerage and water supply services shows that there has been minimal change to
the footprint of this residence although the rear verandah appears to have been
enclosed or removed.
Aerial photographs of the place since the mid 20th confirm that there has been no
change to the building footprint and the form and extent of the original residence is
still readily apparent.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: The place continues to be used as a private residence.
Authenticity - High: The original external form and detailing of the building is largely intact.

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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.