House

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

• Stepped fronted single storey house with twin gables facing the street, each with a single cover batten join down the middle of the gable and a cornice at the base of the gable.
• The roof is hipped behind the gables and clad with corrugated metal sheeting, with brick chimney.
• Casement windows to the façade with awnings above supported on timber brackets with corrugated metal sheet cladding.
• The entrance is located to the western side of the house behind the main façade.
• The garden is enclosed by stone wall with palisade style fencing.

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). However, it was some years before Lot 26 was developed.
According to the Post Office Directories a house was first recorded on this site in 1906 therefore it is proposed this residence was built c1905. the first occupant was James Charles Stuart Deans, his wife Laura and their four adult children. There were short term residents in the next decades until the 1930s when the place appears to have been made into two flats for two women. The most consistent tenants in the 1930s and 1940s were sisters Alice Harriet Balme and tailoress Lucy Balme, and nurse Doreen Sims.
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 footprint of the original house has been enlarged with additions to the rear removing a verandah and small structures there.
Aerial photographs of the place since the mid 20th shows that by 1964 a skillion roofed addtion was apparent across the rear elevation and the roof was red corrugated iron which was replaced in the 1980s. Since that time there have been no major 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 - High: The original external form and detailing of the building is largely intact.

Condition

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

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.