Residence, 29 Hillsden Rd, Darlington

Statement of Significance

• The place has aesthetic value as a large and intact example of the Federation Bungalow style executed in stone and timber. • The place has historic value for its demonstration of the evolution of Darlington from a place used for holidays by the leading members of Perth community to a destination accessed by more sectors of the community. • The place has historic value for its association with two popular guest houses run by single women, Evelyn Christie and Hilda Giles.

Physical Description

From the available information this residence is two-storey comprising a lower level constructed of random rubble local stone with the upper level of timber frame with weatherboard cladding. The roof is hipped and extends beyond the external walls to create a verandah on at least three sides of the building on the upper level. A brick chimney punctures the roof line near the centre of the building. The verandah roof is supported on timber posts which are chamfered and feature a small detail at the junction with the roof. Vertical timber slats form a simple balustrade between the posts. The windows and doors on the upper level appear to be timber framed and all are multi paned. The lot in which it is located is sloping providing different access heights to the building on different elevations. The heavily wooded site features many mature indigenous and exotic species which contribute to the setting of the building. (Note: This place was not accessed as part of this assessment)

History

This property was purchased in 1913 in the name of the Government Mineralogist’s (Dr Edward Sydney Simpson) wife Muriel Simpson. Social notes show that the Simpson’s built and used the house as a weekender. Before c1917 the property was bought by Darlington resident Henry Gell Barker an Insurance Agent. In 1919, the name William Sewell appears in the Rates Books. Sewell from Victoria worked with the National Bank. The Sewells also used the house as a weekender until they returned to Victoria in 1923. The house is then sold to Philip Edgerton Warburton and his wife who named it Rigi and they use it as a home. In 1927, the house was sold to a widow Evelyn Christie who used the house as Guest House and renamed it Blair Athol. In 1932 the house is sold to a Contractor Ernest Grigg who rents it to Hilda Giles who also ran it as a Guest House and renamed it Peddars Way. Aerial photographs from the mid 20th century indicate the form and extent of the original cottage have not changed since that time.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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