House

Parent Place or Precinct

26077 Salisbury and Rupert Street 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 in the Inter War period 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 Inter War Californian Bungalow style, but which were applied in a more restrained manner that suited the budgets and expectations of the middle classes in Subiaco during the Inter War period.
• For its aesthetic contribution to a largely intact group of early twentieth century houses.

Physical Description

• Inter-war bungalow showing some elements of the Californian Bungalow style but is not considered to be a true example of the style.
• Gabled roof clad with terracotta tiles with terracotta finial and decorative ridge tiles.
• Gable above the box bay window has rough cast render with timber batten detail and wide overhanging battened eaves. The box bay window has leaded light casements and top lights with tiled window awning supported on simple timber brackets and stone window base.
• A second gable is set back further into the roof form with plain roughcast render panel and shallower eaves.
• Three tall rendered chimneys with terracotta honeypot flues.
• Brick construction with tuckpoint finish.
• Enclosed verandahs either side of the projecting wing.
• Gardens are enclosed low grey brick wall.

History

No development took place in the study area until late 1891, when Lots 278, 279, 280
& 281 were subdivided as Deposited Plan 353 (later referred to as DP 2808). This
subdivision included 138 building lots, with frontages to Heytesbury Road, Thomas
Street, Nicholson Road, Rokeby Road, Mackay Street (later renamed as part of Rupert
Street), Paterson Street (later renamed as part of Salisbury Street) and Finlayson
Street. These lots were progressively sold from December 1891 (many to eastern
states investors), but construction on these sites was initially slow. A plan dated
c.1902 shows that, while the Rokeby Road frontage had been largely developed by
that time, only about 15 buildings had been erected along the other frontages. (none
of which were located on Nicholson Road).
The readily available evidence suggests that, in the early 20th century, this block
formed part of a larger site (Lots 62, 63 & 64) owned by Alfred Nathan Young. Young built a long-term family home at 6 Nicholson Road (lots 62 and part 63) in c.1912, and
entries in the Subiaco Rates Books confirm that he still owned the adjoining land in
1916.
In c.1920, a new house was constructed on Lot 64 and part Lot 63, occupied by
William and Lillie Berryman. William John Berryman (c.1876-1951) had married Lillie
Mina (aka Lila) Lewen (c.1872-1923) in Perth in c.1904 and this couple lived at 105
Salisbury Street in c.1906-1921 before moving to 4 Nicholson Road. William was a
partner in Berryman Brothers, which later operated as Berryman and Langley,
produce merchants. He also served on the Subiaco Council from c.1912 and was
elected Mayor in 1916-1917 and again in 1920-1921. Lillie died at 4 Nicholson Road
in February 1923 and in April of that year a newspaper notice advised that W J
Berryman’s “charming tiled roof bungalow and furniture and effects” were to be
offered for sale by auction. By 1925, William was living in Maylands with his 2nd wife,
Irene.
The next long-term occupants were Charles and Barbe Cruikshank. Charles Watt
Cruikshank (c.1898-1975) married Joan St Barbe (‘Barbe’) Connor (c.1909-1983) on
September 30, 1929, and their marriage announcement stated that they would be at
‘at home’ at 4 Nicholson Road on 31 October and 1 November. They continued to live
here until the mid-twentieth century, placing the house on the market in early 1951:HODD CUTHERTSON AND NORTH PTY. LTD. has been instructed by
Charles W. Cruickshank Esq. to Sell by PUBLIC AUCTION as above:
All that piece of Land being Portion of Perth Sub. Lot 279 being Lot
64 and Part Lot 63 on plan 2808 as shown on C.T. Vol. 752 Fol. 90.
THE IMPROVEMENTS comprise a well built Brick Tiled Residence
known as No. 4 NICHOLSON-RD., SUBIACO, situated corner of
Salisbury-st. and containing: Hall and passages, fine drawing
room, dining room connected with folding doors, 2 large
bedrooms, 2 small bedrooms, sleepout lined and fitted sliding
glass windows, double sewerage. Partly furnished with some
rooms practically complete. Pleasant surroundings, gardens, park,
bowling greens and ample means of transport.
An analysis of the readily available information suggests that the primary occupants
of the property from its time of construction until c.1952 included:
• c.1921-1923 William John Berryman (manager of Berryman Brothers,
produce merchants) and Lillie Mima Berryman (home duties)
• c.1924-1926 Stanley Gordon Johnstone (manager) and Gladys Maria Dale
Johnstone (home duties)
Newspaper notices confirm that Stanley Gordon Johnstone married Gladys Maria
Dale Chipper in West Perth in August 1915. This couple lived at 4 Nicholson Road in
c.1924-1929, but appear to have leased the house out for a period in c.1927. They
had moved to Gooseberry Hill by the time of Gladys’ death in November 1929. In
later years newspaper reports described Stanley as being well known in the hotel
trade.
• c.1927 August Stang (attorney and Norwegian consul for Western Australia)
• c.1928-1929 Stanley Gordon Johnstone (manager) and Gladys Maria Dale
Johnstone (home duties)
• c.1929-1951 Charles Watt Cruikshank (manufacturers representative/
merchant) and Joan St Barbe Cruikshank (home duties)
• c.1952 Richard Mirfield Marum, company director (Industrial Sales Holdings
(WA) Ltd.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: The place continues to be used as a private residence.
Authenticity - High: The original external form and detailing of the building is largely intact.

Condition

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