HOUSE, 10 RULE STREET

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 10 Rule Street, is a typical stone and iron single storey cottage dating from the early 1900s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 10 Rule Street, is a single storey stone and iron cottage with symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are limestone with brick quoins and reveals. The roof is hipped corrugated iron with no eaves. The verandah is under a separate bullnose corrugated iron roof which wraps around the side of the house. The side verandah has been enclosed (material unknown, but glazed to street front). The verandah is supported by square timber posts. The front elevation was originally symmetrical with two timber sash windows and a central front door with top and side lights. There is a high limestone wall to the front boundary line.

History

Originally named Bay Road, Rule Street first appears on an 1873 survey diagram. The change of name was officially gazetted on 14 February 1969, although Bay Road was referred to as Rule Street or Rule Road as early as 1962. The street was named after Charles Rule, who was a North Fremantle councillor from 1948 to 1960 and a Fremantle councillor in 1961/62 and again from 1968 to 1973. Charles Rule was an active member of the North Fremantle community who service on the Fremantle Advisory Committee, was president of the Friendlies Societies Pharmacies for 21 years and was secretary of the North Fremantle Bowling Club. Rule Street is typified by workers cottages, where workers from Burfords Soap Factory, labourers and lumpers lived. In 1980 a $2 million restoration project converted the old soap factory into residential apartments, following the lead of “The Regency” at 47 Rule Street, where four up-market river-front units had been built two years earlier. House, 10 Rule Street was constructed at some stage between c. 1900 and 1922. By 1921, it was owned by John C. Ahern and leased out to tenants. Ahern retained ownership until the mid-1960s. A long term tenant was the De Grancey family, who lived at 10 Rule Street from c. 1923 until the 1960s. Johann Otto De Grancey was an interpreter and may have used some of the rooms in the house in association with his work. A 1939 plan shows 10 Rule Street as being a large house, with a full length front verandah wrapping around to almost the full length of the house to the north. From 1974, 10 Rule Street was owned and occupied by Reuben and Alice Gibbs. It was subsequently purchased by Snap Pty Ltd in 1976. This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, restored). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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