House

Parent Place or Precinct

26001 Chesters Subdivision Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance:
• As a good representative example of the many 4-5 room brick homes which were built in Subiaco during the early twentieth century to meet the needs and aspirations of middle-class residents such as public servants, senior office workers, small business owners, skilled tradesmen and single/widowed women of private means.
• As a good representative example of the application of materials and detailing which were derived from the Federation Queen Anne style, but which were applied in a more restrained manner that suited the budgets and expectations of the middle classes in Subiaco during the early twentieth century.
• For its aesthetic contribution to a largely intact group of early twentieth century houses.
• For its association with the rapid development of Subiaco in the early 20th century and the small scale development by local builders of many residential properties.

Physical Description

• Altered Federation Arts and Craft house of brick construction with roughcast
render and painted finish.
• Asymmetric plan form with projecting wing.
• Prominent gable with timber detailing.
• Hipped roof with tall rendered chimneys.
• Timber framed casement openings arranged in groups of three, with top light windows protected by an awning.
• Verandah has been removed.
• Prominent Flame tree on the front verge contributes 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).
No development took place on Lot 112 until c.1915 when a house was constructed
for Francis Schuldt. This appears to have been developed as an investment property
as, after a short-term occupancy by a Mrs Bell, it was purchased by John Duffell of
Duffell & Sons Wine & Spirit Merchants (a firm that had been established by John’s
father, Joseph Duffell in 1909).
John (Jack) Joseph Duffell (c1888-1951) married Mary (Doll) Thomas in 1909 and the
couple raised their four daughters at this house. Jack Duffell designated his
occupation as a clerk and after the firm of Duffell & Sons was wound up in 1923, he designated his occupation as ‘timekeeper’. Jack Duffell enlisted with the AIF during
1942 at the age of 47 but did not serve out of Australia. At the time of his death he
was also described as the Advocate of the Australian Legion of Ex-Servicemen and
Women.
A plan of the lot prepared in 1927 and reviewed in 1955 for the purpose of planning
sewerage and water supply services shows that the footprint of the residence has not
changed significantly since that time. There was a large timber addition across the
rear of the residence and a galvanised iron laundry, shed and a brick toilet across the
back property boundary.
Aerial photographs of the place since the mid 20th century indicate that the timber
addition was roofed with corrugated galvanised iron which appears to have been
replaced in the 1980s. The extent and form of the original residence are still clearly
evident.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: the place remains in its original function as a residential dwelling.
Authenticity - Moderate - High: The original external detailing of the building is largely intact
although the painted brickwork and removed verandah has reduced the authenticity.

Condition

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

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.