Houses (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic significance as a Federation Bungalow house dating from 1920. It has historic significance because it reflects the period of affluence and optimism following the end of World War One and is a reminder of the once residential character of West Perth. It is as a representative example of a residential property in West Perth that has undergone a change of use to commercial/professional offices with the changing character and growth of the City. The place makes a positive contribution to the Ord Street streetscape.

Physical Description

This is a single storey building originally a residential dwelling combination hipped and gable roof. Street facing gable has ventilation to roof space. Rough caste render is applied to ornament strip at eaves level. Tile awning to south facing window supported by timber brackets ornamental gable decoration above awning. Tall brick chimney with some corbelling and terra-cotta pots. Sparingly decorated timber structure supports tile verandah. Stained lead light glass windows retained, mullioned in some instances.

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. The Metropolitan Water Supply Survey plan (1954) and aerial photos show that there were three houses between Havelock and Emerald Streets on the north side of Ord Street: from east to west, Nos. 4, 6 and 10. (The house on the corner of Havelock was No. 21 Havelock Street.) In 2022 only one house remains: the house that was originally No. 4, and is now No. 6, situated between two modern office buildings. Numbering was different before 1908, but this house was not built until 1920. The other two houses were established a lot earlier, c. 1905. Post Office directories first lists this house in 1921, occupied by William Horgan, who was still listed as the main occupant in 1945. Aerial photos show that between 1985 and 1995 two chimneys at the back half of the house were removed, and/or the roof was replaced. There has also been an extension of floor space to the rear of the house. A photo held at the State Library of WA dated 1991 shows a tall chimney at the front, since removed. At the time the place was referred to as ‘Jacaranda House.’ The walls were rough caste painted render which has since been removed to eaves height. Solar panels were added to the roof in 2019 and are intrusive as they are visible from the street. At 2022 the place is a single storey building with a combination hipped and gable roof. The street facing gable has a ventilation louvre to the roof space. The walls to eaves level are face red brick. There is a tiled awning to the south facing window under the gable, supported by timber brackets, with ornamental decoration above. The verandah roof is supported by simple timber structures in pairs. There are stained leadlight glass windows, mullioned in some instances. A current real estate advertisement online for leasing the house as professional offices shows photos of the interior. The place retains some original features such as coloured leadlight windows, high ceilings, fireplaces, and mantles.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity. Low level of authenticity.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Creation Date

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