Cintramia

Statement of Significance

Cintramia is a representative example of Australian Colonial Vernacular architecture. The place has historic value for its close association with the Piesse family, a prominent family who were influential in the early development of Wagin and surrounding districts. The place is closely associated with architect, Henry J. Prockter.

Physical Description

Cintramia is a substantial homestead built in an elevation location in a bush setting. The walls are coursed, pointed, random rubble stonework with tuck-pointed brick quoins. The medium-pitched hipped and gabled roof features tall, corbelled brick chimneys with terra-cotta potted tops (some pots are missing). The facade has an asymmetrical front with a protruding bay covered by a gable roof with timber battened eaves. A separate roof covering an encircling verandah has been added. This verandah floor is now covered with concrete and is built on a stone plinth. The verandah roof is supported by turned timber posts with a timber frieze. The verandah supports; and frieze are additions. The entrance is approached via stone steps with a low stone balustrade. Windows are double-hung sashes. The entrance door features panels of leaded and stained glass, and leaded and stained glass sidelights and fanlights. The gable wall has been covered with sheet metal with a row of dentils under. The verandah along the north wall has been removed and brick additions have been built the length of the wall. A gable features on the north wall, similar to the facade. Brick additions also extend the rear of the house. The brick additions are in stretcher bondwork with boxed eaves. The homestead is characteristic of Prockter's residential designs, with a bay and asymmetrical elevations (Uralia, Northam, 1902-03).

History

C. A. Piesse was one of the earliest European settlers in the Wagin area. His first home was the nearby Tillellan. When he remarried after the death of his first wife, he decided to build another home. Whilst on his honeymoon in 1910, C. A. Piesse asked his sons to select a place for him where he could see both Tillellan, his first home, and Wagin. His sons did as he asked and the new house, situated on a hill, was begun. The location was changed to overcome the initial site's problem of shifting sand. Until the new home was ready, C. A. Piesse and his wife lived at Tillellan.2 Henry J. Prockter commenced practice in Perth in 1896, and was responsible for a number of civic buildings, including Freemasons' Hall, Northam (1896) and Northam Town Hall (1897), Mechanics Institute Hall, South Perth (1899), and North Perth Town Hall (1902). He was also responsible for the design of prominent residences, including Uralia, Northam (1902-1903) and Windsor Hall, Mt Lawley (1904). Cintramia remains in the Piesse family.

Integrity/Authenticity

INTEGRITY: High AUTHENTICITY: Moderate to Low

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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