HOUSE, 8 RULE STREET

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 8 Rule Street, is a typical stone and iron single storey cottage dating from the early 1900s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 8 Rule Street, is a single storey stone and iron cottage with symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are random course limestone with brick quoins and reveals. The roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves. The verandah is under a separate bullnose corrugated iron roof supported by chamfered timber posts. The front elevation is symmetrical with two timber sash windows with side lights and a central front door with side lights and top light. There are two chimneys visible. There is an original limestone wall to the front boundary line. Aerial view shows a large rear extension and an altered roof form.

History

Originally named Bay Road, Rule Street first appears on an 1873 survey diagram. The change of name was officially gazetted on 14 February 1969, although Bay Road was referred to as Rule Street or Rule Road as early as 1962. The street was named after Charles Rule, who was a North Fremantle councillor from 1948 to 1960 and a Fremantle councillor in 1961/62 and again from 1968 to 1973. Charles Rule was an active member of the North Fremantle community who service on the Fremantle Advisory Committee, was president of the Friendlies Societies Pharmacies for 21 years and was secretary of the North Fremantle Bowling Club.

Rule Street is typified by workers cottages, where workers from Burfords Soap Factory, labourers and lumpers lived. In 1980 a $2 million restoration project converted the old soap factory into residential apartments, following the lead of “The Regency” at 47 Rule Street, where four up-market river-front units had been built two years earlier.

House, 8 Rule Street was constructed at some stage between c. 1900 and 1922. In 1921/22, the five roomed stone house was listed as being owned and occupied by John C. Ahern.

A 1939 plans shows House, 8 Rule Street as being a relatively large house for the area, with a full length front verandah, centrally located front steps and a number of outbuildings in the back yard.

The property remained in the Ahern family until the mid-1960s. The place has had a couple of owners since that time.

This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, restored).
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 data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.