House (fmr), 1305 Hay Street, West Perth

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic significance as a fine example of a two-storey residence designed in the Federation Queen Anne style, characterised by a picturesque asymmetrical form, contrasting horizontal banding and ornate cornices, prominent gables, tall chimneys and terracotta roof ornaments. It exhibits many of the more elaborate details of the style with an ornate turned timber verandah, multi-paned windows and casements with Art Nouveau inspired leadlights. The place is important in contributing to the community’s sense of place, as a landmark historic building, situated on the high point of Hay Street at the western end of West Perth. The place has historic value as an example of a larger former residence with an associated medical practise, once a relatively common feature of settlement in West Perth. The place has historic value because it reflects the way of life of upper middle class and professional families living in West Perth in the first half of the twentieth century, who built substantial residences set in expansive garden settings. The place has rarity value in the City of Perth, as one of a diminishing number of intact substantial former residences, which has been retained on its original large lot.

Physical Description

Two storey building, originally residential with hipped roofs and tall chimneys with terracotta pots. Brackets to eaves & chimneys. Prominent flying gable with timber screen to street front bay. Awnings to windows are not original. Two storey verandah under separate roof with timber posts ornamental brackets, decorated frieze and balustrade distinguished by shingled roof to ground floor verandah. Walls originally tuck-pointed brick, now painted. Windows double hung sashes with recent obscure glazing to some sashes. Restored verandah to north east side of house. Original verandah to north (front) elevation removed. Entry statement and courtyard to east of main building under tiled roofed loggia not original. Not part of an intact streetscape. The building is a landmark at the western end of Hay Street. Interior has been restored using fabric in the style of the original. This includes ceilings, cornices, architraves, ceiling roses, etc. Some structural alterations including removal of a wall to create an archway, internal partition walls added in some areas and a new single storey extension to the rear. The original staircase remains extant as does one fireplace at first floor level and the general internal layout, with some alterations to partitions.

History

West Perth developed as suburban residential area in the late 1890. From its inception it had the characteristics of a quality neighbourhood. Proximity to the city centre and Kings Park (then known as Perth Park), and the elevated location which provided healthy site drainage as well as cooling breezes and views over the city and hills. The area had social status already associated with addresses in nearby Mount Street and access to the city's piped water system. The area was subdivided into large residential lots and development proceeded accordingly. Less prestigious areas also developed in lower parts of the area and adjacent to the railway. The homes built in West Perth from the early 1900s included prestigious mansions built in prominent locations and smaller working-class cottages in the narrower back streets and towards the northern end of the area adjacent to the railway. An advertisement in 1909 for a good cook indicates that the house was built in the early 1900s. Mrs Couch placed the advertisement and it indicated that the household was three people and no children. The house was known as Abertawe during the Couch’s residence. By 1920 the house had been divided into flats. In 1924 Henry Guthrie lived at the property which was called Kelvinside. Guthrie who was a builder and contractor. He was a member of the WA Turf Club. Louisa Guthrie died in 1943 and Henry in 1946.In 1950 the WA Society for Spastic and Crippled Children was based in the building. By 1980 the Society had changed its name to the Slow Learning Children’s Group and were still located at the same address.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity. Medium level of authenticity. Major works carried out circa 1992 to upgrade the building including external brickwork painted, removal of chimney, removal of north (front) verandah and construction of awning over windows, enclosure of rear verandah and stairs and alterations to door and window openings in this area, restoration of north east verandah, air conditioning, alterations to the rear, construction of entry statement to the east of the building, internal modifications and restoration works.(Information supplied by Schaffer Corporation as part of submission 14 September 2000).

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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