Guppy's House

Statement of Significance

The place is a fine and unusual example of a two-storey residence in the Federation Queen Anne style in its external presentation, featuring decorative devices such as a high verandah plinth wall, distinctive roofscape and imposing ogee roofed verandahs, and it retains its spatial qualities internally;

The place makes a strong visual contribution to the immediate streetscape and is part of a substantial collection of nineteenth century buildings that give Guildford its distinctive historic town environment; and

The place was built for William Francis Guppy, successful son of an expiree, well known saddler, saw miller and timber merchant, Councillor of the Guildford Municipality, Chairman of the Darling Range Board, and President of the Justices Association of Western Australia.

Physical Description

Guppy's House, comprising the original two-storey house constructed in 1897 in brick, with an iron roof in the Federation Queen Anne style, with later additions associated with the Foothills School 1982-2000.

The main level originally consisted of six rooms arranged around a central passage. The major rooms were oriented to the street and complemented by extensive timber verandahs which follow the semi-octagonal bay windows. The bullnose verandah roof gives way to doubly curved roofing around the bay windows the whole is surmounted by a relatively steeply pitched corrugated iron roof with elaborately and exuberantly detailed gables.

The house has been extensively altered at the rear. The enclosed western verandah and decoration to the front verandah could be readily restored, on the evidence of old photographs. The northern and eastern alterations and additions, to provide accommodation for the school, have changed the pattern, form and character of the northern end of the original house.

History

Built by Mr Guppy who worked as local saddler. Tradesmen were once working in the lower section of the two storey home. Mr Guppy also once owned undertaker business.

The place has been restored to its current condition by Mr & Mrs John Aldridge, and in 2017 the place is operating as a Bed & Breakfast.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

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.