Chesters Subdivision Heritage Area

Child Places

• 04067 House
• 02447 House
• 24166 House
• 04062 House
• 24272 House
• 24165 House
• 26882 House
• 24310 House
• 02440 Durack Home
• 04060 Harrow Hospital
• 24309 House
• 24068 House
• 24167 House
• 04059 House
• 26881 House
• 24273 House
• 04058 Diggins House
• 24120 House

Statement of Significance

The eastern portion of James Chesters’ residential subdivision (Salisbury Street to Townshend Road), referred to in this report as the Chesters’ Subdivision Conservation Area, is of:
Aesthetic Value
 As a collection of aesthetically pleasing streetscapes with a strong heritage character.
 For its retention of many good, representative, suburban examples of Federation Queen Anne houses and Federation Bungalows (which collectively illustrate a gradual evolution in architectural detailing of these places between 1904 and the early Inter-War years).
 For the cohesive streetscapes created by a limited palette of materials and styles.
 For the narrow avenues of mature street trees, which frame views of largely intact Federation and early Inter-War houses along the north-south streets.
Historic Value
 For the evidence it provides about the manner in which the family residences of senior professional men and business owners (such as merchants, bankers, and civil servants) existed side by side with the smaller residences of more junior employees and tradesmen (such as clerks, railway employees, salesmen, gardeners and saddlers) in early twentieth century Subiaco.
 As a representative collection of houses that illustrate the scale and standard of housing considered appropriate for these families in the early twentieth century.
 For its association with the subdivision of this area by James Chesters, an investor from Melbourne, in 1892.
In this context it also represents the status of Western Australia as a place of opportunity during the gold rush era of the late nineteenth century – attracting significant initial investment from the eastern states.
 For its association with the efforts of James Chesters as a local land agent and property developer, following his move to Western Australia in 1905.
 For its association with a number of other people who were prominent in the local business community or were otherwise public identities of the early to mid twentieth century (see Associations, below).
Representativeness
 As a good representative collection of the early twentieth century housing developed on the elevated areas of Subiaco, near Kings Park.
 As a representative part of James Chesters’ residential subdivision, which was bounded by Townsend, Heytesbury, Rokeby and Hamersley Roads.
Physical Form in the Public Realm
The 95 house sites within the western portion of James Chesters’ residential subdivision (west of Rupert Street) were initially developed in the period 1900 to 1927. With the exception of two mid-twentieth century dwellings and eight modern dwellings, the original housing stock has survived, and the majority of these places have retained clear evidence of their original external form and detailing. The defined period and nature of development has resulted in a consistent palette of materials and form, enlivened by diversity of individual details, within a collection of cohesive streetscapes.

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.