House

Parent Place or Precinct

26001 Chesters Subdivision Heritage Area

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.

Physical Description

• Traditional asymmetric single storey house of Federation Queen Anne style. • Brick construction but original brick finish has been painted obscuring both the tuckpoint detail and the rendered bands and dado. • Gable with timbered detailing to the projecting wing with battened eaves. The wing incorporates a timber framed sash window with leaded side lights and separate window canopy. • Hipped roof clad in corrugated metal sheeting with tall chimneys. • French windows to the recessed section of the façade have been added opening onto the verandah. The main entrance is in the corner adjacent to the projecting wing. • The verandah copy of a separate bullnose supported on turned timber posts with timber frieze. • The front gardens are enclosed by a timber picket fence.

History

James Chesters, an investor from Melbourne, purchased Perth Suburban Lots 249 to 252 in October 1891. In the same month he commenced selling residential lots in a newly subdivided estate laid out as Deposited Plan 366 (extending across Perth Suburban Lots 251 and 252). When James Chesters transferred Lot 47 to Henry Unwin in 1906, information in the Post Office Directories indicates that he had already been living in this section of Hamersley Road from as early as 1903 (probably at #107, which the Rates Book listed him as owning in 1906/07). By 1909, Unwin’s address in the Post Office Directory was given as 105 Hamersley Road (with his previous residence at 107 occupied by a Mr Smith). This suggests that the house on Lot 147 was built in c.1908 – the same year in which Unwin was promoted to the position of Works Supervisor, Class K, Grade 4 (with an increase in his annual salary of £50). Henry and his wife, Isabella, lived at 105 Hamersley Road until 1916, when they relocated to Murray Street, West Perth. Short-term occupancies suggest that the house may have been rented for a few years until it became home of Frank and Ellen Beard in 1920. It remained the Beard family home for over thirty years, until Frank relocated to Wembley following the death of Ellen in 1954. A plan of the lot prepared in 1927 and reviewed in 1955 for the purpose of planning sewerage and water supply services shows that the residence has been extended to the rear which replaced the original rear verandah which included an enclosed portion for a bathroom. At that time a galvanised iron garage was located on the Salisbury Street frontage, alongside the brick water closet on the back property boundary . Aerial photographs of the place since the mid 20th century indicate that the roof was originally clad with either dark coloured corrugated iron or grey tiles. This was replaced in the early 1990s when the new addition was undertaken and the whole structure was clad with the current corrugated metal sheeting. Since that time there have been no significant external changes and the form and extent of the original residence is still readily apparent.

Integrity/Authenticity

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

Condition

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

Uses

Creation Date

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