HOUSE, 22 SCOTT STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 22 Scott Street, is a rare limestone and iron two storey house dating from 1898. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. The place is an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Built for prominent local pharmacist, Richard Birch, the house is a rare example of a double storey residence in South Fremantle.

Physical Description

Two storey limestone, brick and iron cottage with an asymmetrical facade constructed c1898. The walls are limestone with brick quoins. The roof hipped with verandah overhangs and clad with corrugated iron. The two storey verandah is under a broken back corrugated iron roof with square timber posts and continues around the side of the house. Under the verandah is the front door and timber framed windows. There is a rendered brick and timber picket fence to the front boundary and a small garden area behind.

History

Scott Street was named for Captain Daniel Scott, the first Harbour Master and first chairman of the Fremantle Town Trust.

House, 22 Scott Street was built as a ‘dwelling of seven rooms’ in 1898 for Richard Birch, a chemist. At this time, Richard and his wife Eliza had 10 children. The youngest was 10, the oldest 22.

In addition to having chemist businesses in Perth and Fremantle alone and in partnership between c. 1870 and 1910, Richard Birch also served as the dispensing chemist on Rottnest Island. Mr Birch was a member of the first Pharmaceutical Council, a member of the Rechabite Lodge and was secretary of the Good Templars Lodge No. 5.

By 1920/21, the house was owned by Duncan McLarty and occupied by Mary Mountain. This remained the situation through to the early 1930s. In 1940/41, House, 22 Scott Street was owned and occupied by Sarah Nicol. Ten years later, it was owned and occupied by William and Helen Moloney.

The house had been significantly altered by 1954. The verandahs of the double storey house were fully enclosed at both levels and an asbestos addition was located down the side of the house.

A photograph dated 1975 shows that the façade had been rendered. By 1993, substantial renovations had been completed to reveal the original stone house with brick quoins.

This place was included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

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.