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.

Physical Description

• Traditional asymmetric single storey house of Federation Queen Anne style.
• Brick construction but original brick finish has been painted obscuring both the tuckpoint detail and the rendered bands and dado.
• Gable with timbered detailing to the projecting wing with battened eaves.
The wing incorporates a timber framed sash window with leaded side lights and separate window canopy.
• Hipped roof clad in corrugated metal sheeting with tall chimneys.
• French windows to the recessed section of the façade have been added
opening onto the verandah. The main entrance is in the corner adjacent to the projecting wing.
• The verandah copy of a separate bullnose supported on turned timber posts with timber frieze.
• The front gardens are enclosed by a timber picket fence.

History

James Chesters, an investor from Melbourne, purchased Perth Suburban Lots 249 to
252 in October 1891. In the same month he commenced selling residential lots in a
newly subdivided estate laid out as Deposited Plan 366 (extending across Perth
Suburban Lots 251 and 252).
When James Chesters transferred Lot 47 to Henry Unwin in 1906, information in the
Post Office Directories indicates that he had already been living in this section of
Hamersley Road from as early as 1903 (probably at #107, which the Rates Book listed
him as owning in 1906/07).
By 1909, Unwin’s address in the Post Office Directory was given as 105 Hamersley
Road (with his previous residence at 107 occupied by a Mr Smith). This suggests that
the house on Lot 147 was built in c.1908 – the same year in which Unwin was promoted to the position of Works Supervisor, Class K, Grade 4 (with an increase in
his annual salary of £50).
Henry and his wife, Isabella, lived at 105 Hamersley Road until 1916, when they
relocated to Murray Street, West Perth.
Short-term occupancies suggest that the house may have been rented for a few years
until it became home of Frank and Ellen Beard in 1920. It remained the Beard family
home for over thirty years, until Frank relocated to Wembley following the death of
Ellen in 1954.
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 residence has been extended to
the rear which replaced the original rear verandah which included an enclosed
portion for a bathroom. At that time a galvanised iron garage was located on the
Salisbury Street frontage, alongside the brick water closet on the back property
boundary .
Aerial photographs of the place since the mid 20th century indicate that the roof was
originally clad with either dark coloured corrugated iron or grey tiles. This was
replaced in the early 1990s when the new addition was undertaken and the whole
structure was clad with the current corrugated metal sheeting. Since that time there
have been no significant external changes and the form and extent of the original
residence is still readily apparent.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: The place continues to be used as a private residence.
Authenticity - Moderate - High: The original external detailing of the building is largely intact
although the painted brickwork has reduced the authenticity.

Condition

Based on a streetscape inspection the building appears to be in excellent 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.