HOUSE, 20 GOLD STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 20 Gold Street, is a typical limestone, brick and iron single storey house dating from c1898. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

20 Gold Street is a single storey, limestone, brick and iron house with a symmetrical facade built c 1898 and designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are limestone with red brick quoins. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. The façade is symmetrical with a central front door with fan and sidelights flanked on either side by double hung sash windows. The verandah has a separate corrugated iron bullnose roof supported on chamfered timber posts. There is a red brick chimney evident. There is a low level rendered masonry wall to the front boundary line.

History

Gold Street was gazetted as George Street on 2 September 1904. The land formed a part of a large block owned by Henry Briggs, then President of the Legislative Council. George (Gold) Street was constructed in 1905 at a cost of ₤250. By 1908, a public reserve had been earmarked at the intersection of Francisco Street and George Street. George Street was renamed Gold Street in circa 1921. The majority of the housing stock in the street dates from the late 1890s and early 1900s. House, 20 Gold Street was built prior to 1900. In that year, it was listed in the rate book as a cottage owned and occupied by Benjamin Newey, a builder. He shared the house with his wife, daughter and two sons. By 1904, the cottage was owned by Uphemia Berman and occupied by John Jenkins, a clergyman. Albert Sussex moved in c. 1905. In 1912/13, House, 20 Gold Street was owned by Henry Wright and occupied by William Dodd. Maggie and John Joyce were the owners and occupiers in 1922/23, and a decade later, Patrick Gannon was the owner and occupier. Although Mr Gannon died c. 1940, the property remained part of his estate until the early 1950s. During this time, it was under the care of Clarice Holland. A Metropolitan Sewerage plan dated 1954 shows a substantial brick residence with a full length front verandah and front steps and path set slightly off centre (to the east). There was a substantial weatherboard addition at the rear, and a single asbestos outbuilding in the backyard. In the mid-1950s, the property was purchased by Bianca and Gaetano Librizzi. The ownership had changed in the early 1970s to Ivan and Maria Babic. House, 20 Gold Street has had several owners since then. This place was included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - BROWN -significant for making a positive contribution to the built environment of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). 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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