House

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance: • As a good representative example of the many 4-5 room brick homes which were built in Subiaco during the early twentieth century to meet the needs and aspirations of middle-class residents such as public servants, senior office workers, small business owners, skilled tradesmen and single/widowed women of private means. • As a good representative example of the application of materials and detailing which were derived from the Federation Queen Anne style, but which were applied in a more restrained manner that suited the budgets and expectations of the middle classes in Subiaco during the early twentieth century. • For its aesthetic contribution to a largely intact group of early twentieth century houses. • For its association with the rapid development of Subiaco in the early 20th century and the small scale development by local builders of many residential properties.

Physical Description

• Traditional brick and iron Federation Queen Anne style house with hipped roof incorporating a centrally placed brick and rendered corbel chimney. • Tuckpoint finish to brick with rendered bands. • Full length sash windows. • Bullnose verandah canopy that wraps around the north elevation of the house. Carport in front garden has followed the same style as the verandah.

History

Subiaco's population increased significantly in the 1890s due to an economic depression in the eastern states and the discovery of gold in Western Australia. In the late 1890s, property developers bought large landholdings for subdivision in the Perth metropolitan area. The subdivisions were generally simple grid pattern developments with small lots for occupancy by working families. Subiaco was a popular and logical location for development and the increase in population and demand for services led to the proclamation of Subiaco as a municipality in 1897. The area that is now known as the ‘Subiaco Triangle Precinct’ attracted the construction of a range of dwellings, including timber cottages, semi-detached houses, two to three bedroom free-standing brick dwellings and substantial villas. This portion of Bedford Avenue was formally approved for residential subdivision in 1932 but evidence from the Post Office Directories indicates there was development on these lots prior to that date. From the readily available information this residence was built c1912 and the first occupant was dressmaker, Elizabeth Ann Hall. No information has been found in this research about Elizabeth Hall, or the builder or architect of this residence. Elizabeth Hall remained at the house for only one year before moving on and the place was occupied by a series of occupants indicating it was an investment property owned by an absentee landlord. In1928, Mrs Daisy Sadlier took up occupancy with her three children following the death of her husband Egbert George Harold (c1888-1927) at the age of 39. She lived at this place until her death in 1953. During this period she took in boarders including saleswoman, Amy Foster during the 1940s. A plan of the site prepared in 1927 and reviewed in 1955 for the purpose of planning sewerage and water supply services shows that the footprint of the residence has doubled little since that time. The original residence had a simple rectangular plan form with a verandah across the entire width of the back elevation. The back yard included a wash house and brick water closet on the back property boundary. Aerial photographs of the place since the mid 20th century indicate that the house was clad with red corrugated iron in the 1970s which was a likely replacement for corrugated galvanised iron. An addition was constructed to the rear c1980 which was extended c2000. The new addition has retained the original roof from the ridge line and the extent and form of the original residence are still clearly evident.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: the place remains in its original function as a residential dwelling. Authenticity - High: The original external detailing of the building is largely intact and/or sympathetically restored/extended, 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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