Private Dwelling (fmr), 20 Spencer Street

Statement of Significance

House, 20 Spencer Street, a single storey brick and iron house has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
the place is a fine example of the Federation Queen Anne style of architecture with Arts and Crafts elements;
the place has landmark qualities and contributes significantly to the streetscape and the community's sense of place.

Physical Description

House, 20 Spencer Street, is a brick and iron house designed as a simple example of the Federation Queen Anne style of Architecture with Arts and Crafts elements. The walls are rendered brick. The roof is hipped and gabled and clad with corrugated iron. The front facade is asymetrical with a timbered gable end over a protruding bay window which flanks to one side of the central front door. The verandah is under a separate corrugated iron roof supported by timber posts with decorative brackets and a timber balustrade. To the front of the house is a paved parking area and a grassed area. There are two rendered and face brick chimneys evident.

History

This house was formerly the home of Fred Roberts, a local businessman and Member of Parliament. The exact date of construction has not been ascertained, but it is thought that the house was built c. 1925.

The house was designed by prominent architect E. G. Cohen. Eustace Cohen (born London, 1881) was articled to Thomas Lockwood and Sons at Chester before working for Guy Dawber. He emigrated to Western Australia due to ill health in 1904 and set up practice in Bunbury and Busselton (1906-1913). He moved to Perth in 1914, where he formed a partnership with Joseph Eales, trading as Eales and Cohen. Cohen was instrumental in bringing the Arts and Crafts movement to Western Australia. The earliest examples of his work in Bunbury and Busselton display his interpretation of vernacular homes in the Arts and Crafts manner.

The house still has the some of the original wooden balustrades which had attractive cut out patterns. This was a feature found in many local residences designed by Cohen.

In October 1934 brick additions were added to the house at a cost of £330.

The house was later converted into medical rooms as part of the former St John of God health care system.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium to High degree of integrity (original intent mostly clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium to 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

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.