House (fmr), 16 Edward Street, Bunbury

Statement of Significance

House (fmr), 16 Edward Street, a single storey timber and iron house constructed in 1912 has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the place is a good example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture;
the place has landmark qualities and contributes significantly to the streetscape and the community's sense of place.

Physical Description

House (fmr), 16 Edward Street is a single storey timber and iron house constructed in 1912 in the Federation Bungalow style of Architecture. The walls are timber framed and clad with timber weatherboards. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron with a gablet. The verandah is under a continuous corrugated iron roof supported by timber posts. The symmetrical front façade has two sets of timber framed casement windows. The house is situated at street level. There is a timber picket fence to the front boundary line.

History

House, 16 Edward Street was built in 1912 by George Tobbit, a tally clerk with Millars Timber and Trading Company. Hannah Tobbit operated tea rooms and a business in Victoria Street during World War I.

Lot 16 was originally part of Location 26, Governor James Stirling’s substantial land grant. Subsequent owners were George Eliot and William Spencer. Spencers’ sons subdivided the land in 1902 and in 1907, Tobbit purchased Lot 16 from Augustus Spencer.

In 1932, George Tobbit built a smaller house next door at No 14. He moved in there while his son remained at No 16.

House, 16 Edward Street was bought by school teacher Russell Fowler in 1938. He was soon transferred to Geraldton and rented the property to tenants until 1952, when it was sold to Harold and Vera Johnston. Percy Hough completed additions to the house in 1953. The Johnstons lived in the house until 1960, when it was bought by Elizabeth Teede as a rental property.

Michael King, senior partner at the accounting firm King, Gibson, Lewis & Co bought House, 16 Edward Street in 1973. The firm spent $5,000 converting the house into commercial premises and it has continued to be a commercial building since that time.

In 1988, F K Thompson and Associates purchased both No 16 and No 14 Edward Street for their office and connected the two buildings with a walkway.

For further information, see the Documentary Evidence in Heritage Council of Western Australia, ‘Register of Heritage Places: Below Threshold – House, 16 Edward Street’, prepared by Irene Ham-Sauman, 1998.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

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.