House (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place is of aesthetic significance as an example of a residential building dating from period around the turn of the century. The increasing affluence of the community following the gold boom is reflected in the increased use of decoration. The place is of aesthetic significance because it contributes to the visual quality of its location. The place is of aesthetic significance as an integral component of a group of residential buildings representing the pattern of settlement in Perth from the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries. The place is of historic significance because it reflects the way of life of the wealthier residents of Perth in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The place is a representative example of a residential property in Perth dating from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century. The place represents the changing character of the Perth community from the gold rush settlement period to the period of settlement by various ethnic communities, to the present.

Physical Description

Single storey residential building with medium pitched hipped gabbled roof. Distinguished by prominent cornice, quoining and pointed arched air vent to gable. Roof tiling not original. Alterations to the front verandah.

History

In the early years of the Swan River colony the area to the north of Perth (now known as Northbridge) was low lying and swampy and was therefore settled more slowly than the better land closer to the river. It was also further from the river port and the main means of transport. Northbridge is an inner suburban area, named because it is just north of Perth across the railway bridge. It was approved as a suburb name in 1982. In 1854 some of the swampy land to the north of Perth was drained producing some fertile land for farming and later subdivision. The land was subdivided into allotments circa 1860. Land in the area was taken up by discharged soldiers, artisans and small landholders. The area at this period was characterised by small cottages and businesses. In 1881, the railway from Fremantle to Guildford was opened and became the main transport route. From that period commerce and trade tended to be more fashionable with smaller commercial enterprises and manufacturing to the north. It was less fashionable to live north of the railway line, however the area was close to the city and during the 1890's and early 1900's was substantially redeveloped with further subdivision of lots and mixed residential and commercial development. A number of trade and community organisations had their origins in the area at this time. Over the years the population of the area changed as people relocated to suburban areas of the city. As a result, Northbridge became the home for successive migrant communities. for example, communities including Greek, Italian, Chinese and more recently Vietnamese migrants have settled here as property remained relatively cheap and had the advantage of being close to the city. These communities have over the years given this area a distinctive character, generally recycling the existing buildings rather than redeveloping the area. (Extracted from M. Pitt Morrison and J. White in C.T. Stannage, A New History of Western Australia; U.W.A. 1981 and Michael Bosworth, Thematic Historical framework, City of Perth Unpub. 1995). The homes built in Perth the 1890's and early 1900's were generally larger and more elaborately detailed than the earlier simple cottages there replaced. Although influenced in their design by homes of Victoria in particular, due to the influx of migrants from the eastern states, houses in Perth tended to be constructed as single detached, or sometimes pairs of attached houses, rather than the extensive rows of terrace houses found in eastern Australia. Houses were generally single storey brick with corrugated iron roofs. Some more prestigious homes had slate or tiled roofs. Stucco decoration was popular as was wrought iron lace and timber fretwork.
In 1932 the minister for Greek Church, Reverend Christopher Mannessis, is listed at the address. This is close to the Greek Church on Parker Street and reflects the changing demographic of Northbridge at the time. Prior to this several different people lived at the property including a doctor Roy Merryweather.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity.

Medium level authenticity as it is largely intact roof tiling and verandah not original. Addition to rear of building.

Condition

Fair

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.