House

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic and historic significance as a fine example of a Federation Queen Anne style residence built in c. 1913. The place has rarity value as one of the few remaining heritage residential properties in East Perth. It is a representative example of a residential property in East Perth dating from the early twentieth century. The significance of the place is increased because it remains substantially intact.

Physical Description

A single storied red brick house with stucco decoration, pitched corrugated iron roof with half timbered gables, prominent chimneys and a verandah to the front and one side. One of a group of houses in Waterloo Cres.

History

Although East Perth was included on the plan for Perth from earliest colonial surveys, the area remained substantially undeveloped until the period of expansion that accompanied the gold rush. Part of the area had been designated for cemetery purposes which probably detracted from its attractiveness for settlement. In the 1870s East Perth developed as a residential area, as the city population gradually increased. However, it underwent tremendous growth during the late-nineteenth century, which was a result of the gold boom. The increase in wealth encouraged speculative development of housing in Perth, Fremantle and other new areas close to these centres such as Subiaco, East Perth and North Perth. While detached houses remained the most popular form, semi-detached houses and terraces were not uncommon in these areas. In 1884 East Perth had a population of 600 in 112 houses set amongst fruit and vegetable gardens and paddocks. By 1894 the population had more than doubled and by 1904 it had increased to 6,000 occupants of 1066 houses. Areas which had previously had a scattering of houses and vacant sites were quickly developed with primarily rental accommodation. This relatively short burst of activity played a major role in establishing the late nineteenth century character of the area. In general, East Perth acquired a respectable working-class character by the turn of the century: ‘a middle-class-come-skilled working man’s suburb.’ Waterloo Crescent appeared on the first statutory plan of Perth prepared by A. Hillman and signed by Governor John Hunt in 1845. However it was not established and settled until much later. Waterloo Crescent is the only residential crescent in the city and contains a group of houses of similar scale and form constructed from the turn of the century to the Inter-War period. There were originally nine houses along the north side of Waterloo Crescent between Horatio and Bronte Streets. Over time starting c. 1970 and up to 2000 all but two have been demolished and replaced with multi-storey apartment blocks. Only Nos. 10, 12 and 36 remain extant at 2021. No. 12 was built c 1913; listed for the first time in Post Office Directory of 1914. Aerial photos suggest it has been extended to the rear. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1953) shows a brick house with a wrap around verandah. There was a garage on the rear boundary accessed from the Right of Way. No. 12 lot boundary now encompasses the former rear yard of the adjacent No. 10. In 2022, the place continues to be a private residence.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. High level of authenticity. Largely intact.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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