House

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance: • As a good representative example of a well designed and detailed “gentleman’s villa” of Subiaco dating from the early twentieth century. • For its aesthetic value as a good representative example of a well-designed Federation Bungalow villa of the early twentieth century, designed to a style and scale suited to the professional/business classes. • The place was constructed by well known and prolific local builder Lemuel Arthur Waldron who undertook many property developments in Subiaco. • From the 1930s to the 1960s the place was occupied by well known journalist and historian Ernest Charles de Burgh and his family who actively promoted the study of history in the community. • 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.

Physical Description

• Corner property with asymmetric plan form with verandah addressing the two main elevations. • Brick and iron construction with the original tuckpoint finish having been painted over.

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 Barker Road was subdivided for sale as residential lots in 1901 and this residence was built soon after in 1902 as the following year residents are first recorded at the property. Although not confirmed it is likely this residence was built by local builder and developer, Lemuel Arthur Waldron who undertook many speculative developments in Subiaco. In 1902, he advertised: RESIDENCE for sale two frontages to Coghlan and Barker roads (Hay st. west locality), 7 rooms, bath, pantry, washhouse, dining room 18-6 x 15ft., well built, beautifully finished. Apply direct to builder. L.A. Waldron, Coghlan and Barker Roads, Subiaco. In 1903, the place was occupied by Robert Hesleden Binney (c1852-1918), his wife Catherine (c1856-1912) and their son Francis Hesleden Liddle Binney. The Binney's relocated to Western Australia from Victoria to enable Robert to take on the role of manager of the company Couch and Calder who sold agricultural manure. The Binneys lived at the house until 1909 and relocated to Victoria Park. The residence was then occupied by a series of tenants which suggests the place was an investment property owned by a absentee landlord. In 1930, the place was occupied by Mrs Ethel Totterdell, the wife of local builder and developer Samuel Totterdell. It is unclear whether the Totterdells purchased this property but as the family were well known for investing and developing in the Subiaco area it is not unlikely. By 1931, the place was occupied by Ernest Charles de Burgh (1892-1977) and his wife Cecil Molyns Hungerford (1897-1989). After serving with the AIF, de Burgh was a journalist with The West Australian from 1922 until his retirement and received an OBE for his service to the community, particularly for his involvement with the Royal Western Australian Historical Society. The couple married in 1928 and lived at this house until the mid 1960s. A plan of the site prepared in the 1920s and revised in 1955 for the purpose of planning sewerage and water supply services shows that the original portion of the residence is consistent with its current form. Aerial photographs indicate that the two storey addition across the rear of the building and accessed from Barker Road was built in 2008. Since that time there have been no significant changes to the form or extent of the original building.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: The place continues to be occupied as a private residence Authenticity - Moderate - High: The original external detailing of the building is largely intact apart from the painted brickwork which has reduced the authenticity.

Condition

Based on a streetscape inspection the building appears to be in fair to good condition.

Uses

Creation Date

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