Ferniehurst

Statement of Significance

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Ferniehurst, a single storey residence and garage is designed as a late example of the Federation Bungalow style built in c. 1925-1926 as the family residence of Maud Alexandra Watson and her father Alexander Watson, with a loft addition, alterations to the rear section of the house, and new garage constructed in 2003, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: 1. The place is an excellent example of a single storey residence constructed in the inter-war period as a late use of the Federation Bungalow style for a residence built to a generously proportioned plan; 2. The place is significant as one of the most prominent and substantial residences constructed in East Fremantle in the inter-war period; 3. The place retains large sections of the original and early exterior and interior finishes and is one of a decreasing number of places in the metropolitan area that provide such authentic physical evidence of the period, making it a good reference building; 4. The place has many fine features including fine plaster detailing to arches, cornices, wall vents, and ceiling roses, a variety of fireplaces and surrounds, and original faux bois internal joinery and 5. The place was built as the family residence of Alexander Watson who was a prominent Fremantle identity, director of Messrs. Emanuel Brothers, who was also well known in the wider community as an excellent Judge of stock, and through his articles in the Press. The limestone wall to the north of the house, the 2003 alterations and loft conversion and new garage are of little significance. AESTHETIC SIGNIFICANCE Ferniehurst has exceptional aesthetic value as an example of a single storey residence in the Federation Bungalow style. The place was constructed in the Inter-War period. The place has a generously proportioned plan and significant interior finishes. The other original rooms are well proportioned but are less finely detailed and have been modified in a variety of ways over time. HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE Ferniehurst has exceptional historic value. It is one of the most prominent and substantial residences constructed in East Fremantle in the Inter-War period. Ferniehurst was built as the family residence of Maud Alexandra Watson and her father Alexander Watson. Ferniehurst later became the family home of Patrick ‘Pat’ Dearsley Kerr. Kerr gave the place the name, ‘Ferniehurst’. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE N/A SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE Ferniehurst has considerable social value and contributes to the community's sense of place RARITY Large sections of the exterior and the interior to the front section of the house retain original and early finishes. Most houses of this type and period have been altered with numerous decorative overlays. Ferniehurst is one of a decreasing number of places in the metropolitan area that provide such authentic physical evidence.

Physical Description

Federation Bungalow No 15 Parker Street, Ferniehurst, is a single storey house constructed in limestone, brick and rendered brick with a hipped and gable tiled roof. It is an excellent example of a residence in the Federation Bungalow style constructed in the Inter-War period. The place has a generously proportioned plan with a wide entrance corridor, generous vestibule and four very fine and intact front rooms. The other original rooms are well proportioned but are less finely detailed and have been modified in a variety of ways over time. Ferniehurst features fine plaster detailing to arches, cornices, and ceiling roses, a variety of fireplaces and surrounds, and original faux bois internal joinery. The interior finishes contribute to its fine aesthetic qualities of the place. They have generally been painted a small number of times so that the detailing retains its original sharp lines. The exterior surfaces have been maintained in original condition and retain their authentic visual qualities. The front elevation is symmetrically planned with a full width return hipped roofed verandah. The verandah is supported on timber posts with post brackets. A gable is located centrally in the verandah and marks the entry. The entry door and hopper light are flanked by sidelights and sets of double hung sash windows. The roofscape feature rendered chimneys and finials. The place sits on limestone foundations. The walls are face brick with string courses and sill dressings. The place retains its form and most of its details. There are additions to the rear. The place plays an important role in the pattern of development of a middle class suburb.

History

The family residence of Maud Alexandra Watson and her father Alexander Watson. The Richmond Hill Precinct was originally Location 333-336 Swan District which was acquired by John Clayton in 1861-64. As subdivisions occurred throughout East Fremantle new land names were taken from original names and adapted. The Richmond Hill Precinct was once a part of the Richmond Precinct. The Richmond name originated from the town of Richmond in England. Walter Easton, the owner of the Richmond Precinct, had lived in Richmond prior to arriving in Western Australia. In 1891 the precinct was sold to David Symon and David William Harwood. Symon was an ironmonger, shipping merchant, a senior partner in a firm of merchants and a member of the Legislative Assembly for South Fremantle. Harwood was a prominent businessman, the founder of Harwood Brewery and was known as an avid horse racer. Subdivided lots to the precinct began to sell between 1897 and 1898 following the completion of land surveys. Due to the requirement for the provision of costly services such as water and electricity to the subdivided lots, Symon and Harwood decided to sell the estate in its entirety. The ‘Brighton Estate’ is identified on a 1903 property map as the area between Preston Point Road and David Street (now Petra Street) including View Terrace and Pier Street. A water tank was located on a site between Pier Street and View Terrace (Lot 43) which was largely chosen for its elevated position. The tank, however, was later replaced in 1977 by a multi-storey water tower which is still present today. Development in the estate progressed very slowly and by 1945 there were only 10 residences in Pier Street. A small adjoining portion of land from View Terrace to Fraser Street and west of Petra Street was developed in 1919. The development was around the site of the old Bicton Racecourse and was named the ‘Riverside Bicton Estate’. Subdivision of the remaining land in East Fremantle was complete by the 1930s. By this time the land had been significantly developed. During this period developments commenced in Petra Street and a group of Inter-War California Bungalows were built between View Terrace and Preston Point Road. This development period presents a collection of buildings which were constructed within a similar time frame while demonstrating a variety of styles. Developments were of timber and masonry construction with face brick finishes, weatherboard and asbestos cladding. A shortage of building materials following the Depression and WWII led to a more simplified building style and the emergence of the Post-War austerity houses in Richmond Hill. A later era of development in Richmond Hill occurred around Locke Crescent between the 1950’s and 1960’s. Many new developments have occurred in the Richmond Hill Precinct in the last 30 years. Ferniehurst was built as the family residence of Maud Alexandra Watson and her father Alexander Watson. Watson was a prominent Fremantle identity and was director of Messrs. Emanuel Brothers. Watson was also well known in the wider community through his articles in the Press and was known as an excellent Judge of stock. Ferniehurst was the family home of Patrick ‘Pat’ Dearsley Kerr. Kerr was a well known proprietor of Shacks Motors and vintage car restorer. Kerr died in 2002 and gave the place the name ‘Ferniehurst’.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Moderate - High

Condition

Excellent

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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