DUPLEX, 440 SOUTH TERRACE

Statement of Significance

Duplex , 440-442 South Terrace is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey duplex pair dating from the early 1900s (with substantial double storey extension to the rear). The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of South Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the South Fremantle area. The place is a late simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

Duplex, 440-442 South Terrace is a double storey (originally single storey) timber and corrugated iron duplex constructed in the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are timber framed and clad with timber painted weatherboards. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron with dividing masonry parapet wall. The verandah is under a separate corrugated iron roof supported by timber posts. The front façade for no. 440 has a front door to the right with two timber framed casement windows on the ground level and five on the first floor. No. 442 front façade has the front door to the left and two timber framed casement windows. The first floor verandah has been enclosed with screening. No 440 has a limestone and steel wall to the front boundary line with a steel gate set between two feature brick posts. No 442 has a low level timber fence and gate. There are small gardens to the front of each house.

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. In 1899, a cottage was on the lot. It was owned and occupied by Patrick Murray, a plasterer. In 1901/02, a second cottage was built (or the original demolished and a duplex built in its place) for owner, Donald McKay. The duplexes were occupied by tenants. The original street address was 301-312 Mandurah Road (then 210-212 Mandurah Road, and 440-442 South Terrace). Donald McDonald MacKay was a pastoralist and MLC for the North Province (1896-1902). Mr MacKay came to Fremantle in 1892/93 after selling his northern pastoral property ‘Mundabullangana’. He married Emily Vincent in 1893 and purchased a number of properties in Fremantle (about 70-80 houses!). Circa 1904, Frank Biddles was the registered owner of the cottages. They were owned by Captain Biddles until his death c. 1930, then by his estate until 1939/40, when they were purchased by John Buckingham. A diagram dated 1954 shows a weatherboard mirror pair, with full length front verandahs and rear attached laundries and small verandahs. There was a galvanised iron garage in the rear yard of No. 440. 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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