Warwick

Physical Description

The street facade of "Warwick" is single storey, with walls of random limestone. Windows and doors are emphasised by brick quoin work, which is tuck-pointed (currently painted). The fine roof rises above a simple but dignified verandah, and is tiled with Marseilles tiles. The side elevation changes as the shape takes effect upon the design. The windows are double hung, and are full height to the W. elevation. Relatively new brick columns support the original verandah (which becomes 2-storey), with its turned posts and simple detailing. At the north west corner, a fine octagonal turret, with an equally fine domed top is situated. The west elevation, which faces the harbour, has the same verandah detailing along with five main doorways (complete with leadlight) at both levels. A new brick addition to the S.E. corner of the building detracts from the general appearance of the south and east elevations, but the strength of the original easily wins the day. Though an internal inspection was not possible, it could be seen that many original internal features still remain intact. Adjacent to the house, at the N.E. corner of the block, a simple, single storey structure of random limestone and brickwork appears to have been the stable. This structure is not included in the recommended classification.

History

Assessment 1990 Construction 1898 In 1898, Charles Hudson (merchant), built a villa building on Lot nos 762/763, 169 Mary Street (later to become 79 Solomon Street). He was the son of William Hudson, merchant, of Burra, South Australia, and was educated in that State. In 1884 he came to Western Australia, joining the firm of William Sandover, hardware merchants, becomming a partner in 1890. He retired from the partnership in 1901, and established an insurance business in Fremantle. He was a manager of the Fremantle branch of the Commercial Bank Assurance Company, and local director of the A.M.P. Society . In 1903 he was appointed as one of the original Commissioners the the Fremantle Harbour Trust and held that position until 1906, when he retired . The government re-appointed him in 1907, and he remained on the Commission until the Trust was reconstituted in 1912. He married Elizabeth Snook of Fremantle and had a family of 5 sons and 4 daughters. Charles Hudson died in March 1949, at the age of 84. The house he built in 1898 was representative of his status as a prominent local businessman, it was also representative of the houses built on the harbour side of the street - being single storey at the front (the street side) and double storey to the rear. "Warwick" and its neighbour "Atwell" are the only two remaining large Victorian houses on large blocks, in Solomon Street. As such, their significance is increased "Warwick" has been altered and added to, but remains substantially as was. Its octagonal turret with its fine domed top, though not unique, is certainly a visual landmark from the street, from a distance, and from down the hill towards the city.

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