HOUSE, 4 COMMERCIAL ROAD

Statement of Significance

House, 4 Commercial Road, is a typical limestone, brick and iron single storey house dating from 1905. 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.

Physical Description

Single storey limestone, brick and iron cottage with an asymmetrical facade constructed c1905. The walls are limestone with red brick quoining. The roof is hipped with short eaves and clad with Colorbond. The half verandah is under a broken back Colorbond roof and wraps around the side of the house. It has square timber posts and a decorative timber valance. The front facade is asymmetrical with a protruding front room with a pair of timber framed double hung sash windows. Under the verandah is the front door and a timber framed window. Two brick and rendered corbel chimneys are intact. There is a painted timber picket fence to the front boundary and a small garden area behind.

History

Following subdivision of the area by Davies, Chamberlain and Wray c. 1895, Sub Lot 26 of Town Lot 14/15 (later 4 Commercial Road) was vacant land owned by Thomas Scott. By 1905/06, a cottage had been built and was occupied by Henry Woolmington, a miner. There were number of tenants until 1919/20, when the house was sold to Elsie Collins. By 1924/25, the house was owned and occupied by Joseph Nelmes. Between c. 1935 and c. 1990, the house was owned and occupied by John and Ida Grose and then Dorothy Grose. It has had a couple of owners since that time.
A diagram dated 1954 shows House, 4 Commercial Road as a large stone or brick house, with a projecting front room and half-length front verandah, with centrally located front steps. At this time, there was an asbestos addition (sleep-out/lean-to) along one side of the house and there were several additions to the rear of the house.
This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Brown: "Positively contributing to the built environment") It was also included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with some 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.