House

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance: • As a good representative example of a well designed and detailed “gentleman’s villa” of Subiaco dating from the early twentieth century. • For its aesthetic value as a good representative example of a well-designed Federation Queen Anne villa of the early twentieth century, designed to a style and scale suited to the professional/business classes. • For its association with the rapid development of Subiaco in the early 20th century.

Physical Description

• Single storey brick and iron Federation style residence with limestone plinth. • Tuck point finish to façade with rendered and painted bands. • Timber framed sash windows with decorative sills and aprons. • Replacement roof and verandah cladding. • Hipped roof with gables to the street incorporating decorative elements. • Bullnose canopy to verandah supported on turned timber columns.

History

While the Subiaco area was subdivided into Perth Suburban Lots in 1883 the population of the district had only risen to around 100 by 1895. In the mid 1890s the significant population growth that flowed from gold discoveries in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie placed increasing stress on the existing housing market in Perth. It was the opportunities that this provided for the owners of the large tracts of relatively undeveloped residential land in Subiaco that finally commenced the transformation of Subiaco from bush to suburb. Subiaco was initially developed as a working class suburb, but from the early twentieth century the “invasion” of Subiaco by business and professional men, civil servants, and others had led to a demand for larger housing lots, particularly in the elevated areas near Kings Park. As this area was well served by the tram services, but was separated from the established ‘working class’ areas near the railway line, it suited the increasing demand for well-built brick houses for those such as artisans and clerks, and larger villas for senior professional men and business owners. This residence is first recorded in the Post Office Directories in 1914 which is indicative of a construction date of 1913. The first occupant is recorded as accountant Percy George Harris (c1878-1948). No information has been found as to the architect or builder of this residence which spans one and a half of the lots in this street. There was a regular turn-over of occupants through until at least the mid 20th century, including: 1915: Percy George Harris (accountant) 1920: Thompson 1930: Mrs Olive Watkins 1940: Vern Robinson 1949: Ida White This house was described as follows when it was advertised for sale in April 1932: MOST ATTRACTIVE BRICK RESIDENCE, No.25 Bagot-road Subiaco. ROBERTSON BROS., LTD., have been instructed by the Owner to SELL, as above:— Lot 121 and Part of Lot 22 of Perth Sub. Lot 245, having a frontage of 43ft. to Bagot-rd, by a depth of 115ft. to a r.o.w., with a HANDSOME BRICK RESIDENCE, containing five large main rooms, vestibule, kitchen, bathroom, etc., e.l., gas and sewerage system installed; motor garage, nice lawns and garden. The property is in excellent order through-out, beautifully situated, close to the corner of King's park-road and Thomas-street. Inspection confidently invited by arrangement with the Auctioneers. In 1954, the place was occupied by factory manager Peter George Clauson (c1891-1979) and his wife Violet Muriel Dorothy Clauson (c1895-1975). At that time the residence had a verandah across the back elevation and the verandah across the front elevation was evident. A large galvanised iron shed was present on the eastern boundary of the back yard. Aerial photographs from 1965 onwards indicate that the second storey addition was undertaken c1980. An aerial photograph in 1981 shows the new addition with a corrugated iron roof, the existing roof is clad with red corrugated iron. The roof cladding was changed in stages to galvanised corrugated iron until 2010 the entire roof was reclad. Although the residence has the addition of the upper level the extent of the original building has not changed significantly since 1954.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: The place continues to be occupied as a private residence. Authenticity - High: The original external detailing of the building is largely intact, or sympathetically restored, and the place has been well maintained.

Condition

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

Uses

Creation Date

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