HOUSE, 15 CHESTER STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 15 Chester Street, is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey house dating from c1905. 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 Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 15 Chester Street is a single storey weatherboard and iron cottage with a symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are painted horizontal weatherboards. The roof hipped with no eaves and clad with corrugated iron. The verandah is under separate corrugated iron roof with square timber posts. The front facade is symmetrical with a central front door and timber framed windows either side. A brick chimney is intact. There is a rendered masonry and timber picket fence to the front boundary and a small garden area behind. A double car open carport has been added to the side.

History

The Chester family were early settlers, and one of the sons had a butchering business. Lots 12, 13, 26, 70 and 75 were subdivided by John Chester. From 1887 until about 1930, the area around Douro Road was known as Chesterfield. Chester Street was originally known as William Street; in 1901/02, the name was changed to Lloyd Street and from c. 1901, Chester Street.
In 1900, the land on which House, 15 Chester Street stands was vacant land owned by Francis Listiham. By 1905/06, a cottage had been built on the land for owner Charles Donovan. Donovan initially rented the house to long term tenant, engine driver James Steward. Donovan moved into the house c. 1910 and continued to own and occupy the property until 1944/45, when it was purchased by Alesia White.
The house was initially numbered 65 Chester Street; it was renumbered #15 in the early 1930s.
House, 15 Chester Street is shown on a diagram dated 1954 as a weatherboard house with a full length front and rear verandahs. There were several galvanised iron outbuildings in the back yard.
Ms White owned and occupied House, 15 Chester Street until the late 1970s, when it was purchased by Matthew Duff. The house has had several owners since that time.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Red: "Significantly contributing to the unique character of Fremantle")
It was also included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993.

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.