House (fmr), 23 Outram Street

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic and historic significance as an example of a substantial Federation Queen Anne residence built in West Perth in 1908.
It represents the lifestyle of the wealthier residents of Perth and the development of West Perth as a prestigious residential address.
The place is a representative example of the changing character and growth of the city, being a former residence that has undergone a change of use to commercial/professional offices.
The place is a significant component.

Physical Description

A two-storey brick building originally residential with decorative moulding to render bands. Complex corrugated iron roof with tall chimneys with rendered heads and terracotta pots and decorative brackets to eaves. Prominent flying gable with half-timbered effect over bay window. Return verandah under bull nose roof with timber posts and decorative brackets and frieze original sash windows with security grills which are not original. Small ornamental arched niche to street corner with small classical sculpture.

History

West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890s. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood. Proximity to the city centre and Kings Park (then known as Perth Park), and the elevated location provided healthy site drainage as well as cooling breezes and views over the city and hills. The area had social status already associated with addresses in nearby Mount Street and access to the city's piped water system. The area was subdivided into large residential lots for development and proceed accordingly. The homes built in West Perth from the early 1900s included prestigious mansions built in prominent locations and smaller working class cottages in the narrower back streets and towards the northern end of the area adjacent to the railway.
Post Office directories show that No. 23 was built in 1908, with the first occupant listed as Robert E. Welchman in 1909. From c. 1915 there were often two occupants listed and sometimes the directory listed No. 23 and No. 23a, indicating the house was converted into two separate residences. (At 2022, there are two separate doors at the rear of the house, to support this.) The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1954) shows No. 23 addressing the corner of Ord Street, with a projecting bays to each street, and a corner verandah that extends around both sides. There were brick and weatherboard outbuildings along the rear lane, and the rear of the house had a full-length verandah with steps down. Aerial photos show that the rear verandah detail was lost in the 1970s and a small flat carport added. At 2022 the rear of the house is bituminised for car parking, and the former house is used for the office of Major Holdings and its associated motor dealerships.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low level of integrity.
High level of authenticity. Largely as originally constructed with detail intact.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

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.