Vasse Terrace

Statement of Significance

Vasse Terrace is a rare and fine example of four attached dwellings in the Federation Italianate style, with a high level of integrity. The Terrace makes a significant contribution to the streetscape and character of the area and informs of a way of life at the end of the nineteenth century.

Physical Description

A terrace of four attached single storey houses separated by fin walls. The terrace features a prominent parapet decorated with balusters, triangular pediments and ball finials. The name 'Vasse Terrace' is embossed on the pediment of No 11. A skillion verandah runs across the entire front. The two central dwellings have floor-to-ceiling height sash windows, while the two end dwellings have sash windows with regular height sills. Gardens are in place behind the brick and iron front fence. Various

History

Harley Street was part of the Highgate Hill subdivision, developed by surveyor Charles Crossland in 1874. He named the subdivision after his birthplace in London, and Harley Street was most likely named after the London street of that name, famous for being the address of medical specialists. However, this street was a typical surburban street and did not become noted for housing medicos. Highgate was one of the earliest surburban areas to be settled, commencing with a group of workman's cottages erected on the eastern side of Beaufort Street. It was slow to develop initially until both the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches were granted land in the area on the western side of Beaufort Street in the 1880's. St Alban's Anglican Church was subsequently erected at No. 423 Beaufort Street in 1889 and the Sacred Heart Convent and School in 1898 and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 1897 was erected in mary Street. Highgate Primary School was opened in Lincoln Street in 1895 as a result of a sudden increase in population and this attracted more families to the suburb as did the development of nearby Hyde Park around the turn of the century. No places were shown in Harley Street in the 1897 PWD sewerage plans, but the subject terrace and another ten dwellings were listed in the 1898 City of Perth Rate Books. The terraces were also shown on the 1900 PWD sewerage plans. In 1898, the terraces were valued at £400 each, and were owned by Mrs A. Gardiner. The first tenants were butcher, George Nichols, dealer, Thomas Davis, a shipwright (name unclear), and J. B. Miller. In 1905, cab proprietor Edward Winder was one of the tenants. No other occupations were given for the residents at that time, but other occupations listed for the street in Wise's Post Office Directories between 1898 and 1949 were a butcher, bricklayer, grocer, music teacher, carrier and market dealer. In 1915 the residents were George Lovett (No. 7), John G. Stocker (No. 9), William J. Richards (No. 11) and Anthon R Fouchard (No. 13) and in 1949 the last year of the Directories they were Mrs Haper 9no. 7), Patrick Brophy (No. 9), Mrs Jean Reilly (No. 11) and Alred Powell (No. 13). The terraces were renovated in the 1970s and later strata titled.

Integrity/Authenticity

Intact

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.