SHOP & HOUSE (FMR), 408 SOUTH TERRACE

Statement of Significance

Shop & House (fmr), 408 South Terrace, is a typical single storey house with attached shop dating from the 1930s. It is aesthetically significant as an example of Fremantle’s vernacular architecture. It is historically significant as a representation of working people’s living conditions and commercial activity in the Fremantle area. The place has undergone significant alterations but original form remains intact.

Physical Description

Shop & House (fmr), 408 South Terrace, although substantially altered, shows the original form of a single storey residence (at left) and truncated corner shop. The walls are painted and rendered masonry. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. The shop has a suspended metal awning over a corner door (not original) and large fixed pane windows on each side of the corner (not original). The former house has a pergola at the front supported by posts that rest on a low brick boundary wall.

History

South Terrace was formerly called Mandurah Road. It followed the line of ancient Aboriginal tracks and was the main entrance to Fremantle from the south. Mandurah Road used to continue south along the coast, but owing to shifting sand dunes, it was necessary to make a deviation to Douro Road and travel further inland. Between 1895 and 1900, a cottage was built on Lot 65 (later 408 South Terrace). In 1900, the cottage was owned by Edith May Vaux and occupied by William Hopper, a labourer. In 1909/10, a cottage and sheds were on the lot, which at this time had the address 256 Mandurah Road. John Piggott bought the property from Edith Vaux c. 1915 and c. 1925, the cottage was demolished. A garage was listed as the only improvement in 1929/30. A shop and rooms were built on the lot between 1930 and 1935. In 1934/35, Ellen Hurley was listed as the owner and occupant. At this time, the street address was 260 Mandurah Road. Frances Barnes owned the property for a short time, before it was bought by the WA Winegrowers Association c. 1945. Elizabeth Roberts was listed as the tenants during their ownership, which lasted until the late 1950s. A diagram dated 1954 shows a brick shop and residence facing the corner of South Terrace and Douro Road. A short verandah extended across the front of the residential entry off South Terrace. There were many small galvanised iron buildings in the rear yard linked by paving. The shop and residence at 408 South Terrace was owned by Albert and Edith Pianta until the late 1960s, when it was again owned by the WA Winegrowers Association. Ernest Elliot was the occupant from the late 1960s until the 1970s, when the property was again sold. In 1978, it was called ‘Smugglers Wine Bar’. Commercial Building, 408 South Terrace has had a number of owners since the 1980s. In 2004/05, it was a commercial restaurant owned by Robert Gordon. This place was included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993. It was also 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

Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). Medium degree of authenticity with some 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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