Two Attached Houses & Separate House

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic significance as modestly detailed group of Federation Italianate Style residential buildings, distinguished by central pediments bearing the following names: ‘Ada Villa’ (No. 219), ‘Alfred Villa’ (No. 221) and ‘Arthur Villa’ (No. 223).The place is rare as an example of a group of residences, comprising two attached residences and one detached residence, in the Federation Italianate style, dating from the late nineteenth century, still extant within close proximity to Perth City centre.
The place reflects the expansion and development of a diversity of residential buildings on the city fringes during the rapid population increase of the 1890s gold boom and the early years of the twentieth century.
As a group of buildings, which have remained largely unaltered despite the changes that have occurred in the area, the place has importance in contributing to the community’s sense of place.

Physical Description

Two attached and one detached row houses of matching design. Single fronted houses constructed of two tone Flemish bond brickwork one of which has been painted. Roof's concealed by decorative parapets with pediments bearing the names Add Villa; Alfred Villa and Arthur Villa. Verandahs follow original forms but have been altered windows and doors altered. Rendered chimneys with corbelling intact.

History

Over the years the population of the area changed as people relocated to suburban areas of the city. As a result, Northbridge became the home for successive migrant communities. for example, communities including Greek, Italian, Chinese and more recently Vietnamese migrants have settled here as property remained relatively cheap and had the advantage of being close to the city. These communities have over the years given this area a distinctive character, generally recycling the existing buildings rather than redeveloping the area. The homes built in Perth the 1890's and early 1900's were generally larger and more elaborately detailed than the earlier simple cottages there replaced. Although influenced in their design by homes of Victoria in particular, due to the influx of migrants from the eastern states, houses in Perth tended to be constructed as single detached, or sometimes pairs of attached, houses, rather than the extensive rows of terrace houses found in eastern Australia. Houses were generally single storey brick with corrugated iron roofs. Some more prestigious homes had slate or tiled roofs. Stucco decoration was popular as was wrought iron lace and timber fretwork.
In 1897 Henry Patton was listed in the Post Office Directory as living in Ada Villa (No. 219). William O’Brien was listed as the resident for Alfred Villa (No. 221) and J. LeCornu was listed as the resident for Arthur Villa (No. 223). All buildings were owned by Thomas Bonner who continued to own them until 1930. The houses were named after his children. There were many residents in the buildings during the twentieth century. The building was sold in 1936 to Crissafina Antonias. In 1976 the property was owned by the Metropolitan Region Planning Authority. Then to East Perth Redevelopment Authority in 2000.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity as it is substantially intact verandah and some doors and windows altered with one house painted.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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