House

Parent Place or Precinct

25394 Union and Redfern Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

For information on the significance of the Union and Redfern Heritage Area refer to the Local Planning Policy for the Heritage Area.

Physical Description

The key elements of 115 Heytesbury Road (as visible in limited views from the street) include the:
• Symmetrical main façade.
• Gable-hipped roof clad with corrugated metal sheeting.
This has an east-west ridgeline to the main hipped section, with what would have originally been louvered gablets at either end.
At the front of the house, over the main entry, there is a decorative gable with a timber panel, featuring central pattern of fretwork ‘spokes’ that are framed by a semi-circular timber moulding and flanked by a pair of timber ‘buttons’.
Under the eaves overhang there is a widely spaced series of paired timber brackets.
• Two painted brick chimneys with projecting rendered caps and terracotta pots.
• Painted brick facade, with evidence that it was originally tuck-pointed face-brick.
• Centrally located entrance door, set back from the façade under a semi-circular arch.
Glimpses of the top of the door show that it has narrow sidelights on either side (with stained glass detailing) and a single highlight
• Single double hung window to either side of the main entrance.
• Asymmetrical return verandah, extending across the main façade and returning part way along the eastern side of the house to abut a projecting side wing.
This has turned timber posts and simple carved timber brackets.
• Single double hung window at the southern end of the return verandah.
The house is set approximately 5.5m back from the front boundary, which is defined by a high rendered masonry wall (which largely conceals the house from public view).

History

On 13 March 1883, the Western Australian government announced it would survey a section of the Perth Commonage into suburban lots and that these would then be made available for private sale. Perth Suburban Lot 274 appears to have initially been subdivided as Deposited Plan 2405 with a one-acre lot on the SE corner of Heytesbury and Hensman Roads designated as Lot 1. This was sold to James Chesters (a local land developer) in March 1904, and one residential lot (115 Heytesbury Road) had been subdivided off and sold by January 1906.
This was purchased by Clara Emily Robinson (the sister of Frank Wildy, who had built 109 Heytesbury Road in c.1905). A new house was built almost immediately and occupied by Clara, her husband, Christopher Robinson (a salesman), and their two daughters, Clarice and Hilda. During this time the place was named ‘Rotherwood’.
After Christopher died in September 1931, Clara moved away for a time, but was living here again at the time of her death in 1935 (when it was stated that she had been a resident of Western Australia for 30 years).
The house was offered for sale in January 1936:
Part Lot 1, plan 2405, portion Perth Sub. Lot 274, frontage 76.7 links Heytesbury rd., depth 200 links right-of-way. Improvements. — Brick residence with entrance hall, passage, 4 rooms (19ft 6in. x 13ft 6in., etc.), vestibule, kitchen, well appointed bathroom, granolithic verandahs front and side, washhouse, interior and exterior sewerage. e.l. and gas installed. Property in excellent order, grounds tastefully set out, lawns, gardens with cement walks front, side, back. Convenient bus and tram. Inspection confidently invited.
However it does not appear to have sold immediately and in September 1936 it was transferred to Clarice Martin (nee Robinson). In April of the following year it was sold to James Withnall, a retired pastoralist of South Perth, and was used by the Withnall family as a rental property until 1947.
It was then purchased by Ernest William Stattery (carpenter), who retained ownership until 1970 – living here with his wife, Amelia, who he had married in 1941. It also appears that, for a short time at least, they shared the house with Ernest’s sister, Elsa, and brother-in-law, Ronald Thorpe.
A comparison of current and historical aerial photographs (the earliest of which is dated 1948) suggests that the building envelope at the front of the house has remained largely the same. Over time, various additions have been made to the rear of the house.

Integrity/Authenticity

Note: The high front fence largely conceals the main façade from view and is intrusive within the traditional streetscape.

Condition

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