Diggins House

Parent Place or Precinct

26001 Chesters Subdivision Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance:
• As an excellent example of a well designed and detailed “gentleman’s villa” of Subiaco dating from the early 20th century.
• For its aesthetic value as a good representative example of a well-designed Federation Queen Anne villa of the early 20th century, 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 early 20th century period.
• For its association with prominent Western Australian families, the Banfields and the Roberts .

Physical Description

• Large Federation Bungalow.
• Brick construction with rendered string courses below the sill and above the door. Brickwork has tuckpoint finish.
• Timber casement windows to the two boxed bays. The bays have splayed bases and roughcast rendered panels.
• Verandah is supported on turned timber posts.
• Hipped and gabled roof clad in terracotta tiles.
• Large peppermint trees (agonis flexuosa) within the property boundary and on the road reserve contribute to the streetscape.

History

James Chesters, an investor from Melbourne, purchased Perth Suburban Lots 249 to
252 in October 1891. In the following year he commenced selling residential lots in a
newly subdivided estate laid out as Deposited Plan 504 (extending across Perth
Suburban Lots 249 and 250). Lots 129 to 132 were transferred from Chesters to
George Thompson Proudfoot in 1905, but it was another fourteen years (1919)
before this block was developed with a house for Ernest Banfield (c1885-1972)
(Manufacturer, WA Toy Company, later E B Banfield & Sons Perth Modelling Works).
Banfield lived here with his wife, Eliza, and children, Ernest (jnr), John and Marianne,
until 1927, when the property was offered for sale:
SUBIACO HIGHEST PART. Eight-roomed Modern House, large tiled
bathroom, heater, linen press, sleep-out verandah, shade house,
garage, all perfect order.
The block was subdivided at that time (creating the site of 14 Chester Street) and the
original house at 16 Chester Street was purchased by Stephen Richard Harricks
Roberts (c1875-1943) (Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs) DSO, MBE, VD (Civil
Servant). Following Roberts death the place was then occupied by his widow as the
Roberts family home until c.1948, when Stephen’s widow, Catherine, relocated to
Victoria.
In addition to his role as Deputy Director of Posts and Telegraphs (1928-1938),
Roberts was also active in numerous public roles, including time as a member of the
Subiaco Municipal Council; Chairman of the Works Committee; Vice-president of the
Legacy Club, Warden of the State Memorial; Vice-president of the National Rifle
Association and President of the Subiaco Civic and Literary Institute.
Most recently the house has been the home of former Mayor of Subiaco Richard
Diggins and his family.
A plan of the site prepared in 1927 and reviewed in 1954 for the purpose of planning
sewerage and water supply services shows that the property has changed little in
form or extent. Aerial photographs of the place since the mid 20th century indicate
that few changes are evident, apart from the significant growth in the tree canopy
around the residence.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: the place remains in its original function as a residential dwelling.
Authenticity - High: The original external form and detailing of the original building is largely intact

Condition

Based on a streetscape inspection the building appears to be in fair to good condition.

Uses

Historic Themes

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.