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 andexpectations 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.
• For its association with the rapid development of Subiaco in the early 20th century and the small scale development by local builders of many residential properties.
• The place had a long association with Senator in the Western Australian parliament between 1943 and 1948 Richard (Dick) Nash and his family.

Physical Description

• Traditional Federation Queen Anne bungalow with some alterations that do not detract from the place.
• Asymmetric plan to the façade with hipped and gabled roof clad in corrugated metal sheeting.
• The projecting wing has timber detail and projects over the wing, with a boxed bay incorporating three sash windows.
• Bullnose verandah canopy extends across the recessed façade, supported on turned timber posts.
• Further group of three sash windows to the façade together with the main entrance abutting the projecting wing, consisting of a traditional arrangement of panelled door with glazed and panelled side lights and fanlight.
• Tall rendered chimneys with corbelling.
• Front garden is enclosed by timber picket style fence with plantings.

History

Subiaco's population increased significantly in the 1890s due to an economic depression in the eastern states and the discovery of gold in Western Australia. In the late 1890s, property developers bought large landholdings for subdivision in the Perth metropolitan area. The subdivisions were generally simple grid pattern developments with small lots for occupancy by working families. Subiaco was a popular and logical location for development and the increase in population and demand for services led to the proclamation of Subiaco as a municipality in 1897. The area that is now known as the ‘Subiaco Triangle Precinct’ attracted the construction of a range of dwellings, including timber cottages, semi-detached houses, two to three bedroom free-standing brick dwellings and substantial villas.
This portion of Bedford Avenue was formally approved for residential subdivision in 1932 but evidence from the Post Office Directories indicates development occurred on these lots prior to that date. From this source, this residence was built c1905 and the first occupant designated in the Post Office Directories was Henry Wilson but no further conclusive information has been found in this research. The place was likely to have been an investment property because there was a rapid turnover of occupants in the first ten years. The builder or architect of the place have not been determined. In the late 1910s until the mid 1940s, the place was occupied by the Nash family. Richard Harry Nash (c1890-1951) and his wife Ruby, nee Piper (c1892-1979) married in 1913 and had six children. Born in Victoria, Richard (Dick) Nash began his career as a railway employee and served as the Perth Tramways Employees Secretary in 1921. He was active in the Union and Labor movement as well as contributing to the community as a volunteer on several organisations. He gained a Federal seat for the Labor Party in 1943 and served until 1946. During World War II, two of the Nash sons died during active service. After Dick Nash died in 1951, Ruby Nash and one of her sons lived in the house until the 1970s.
A plan of the site prepared in 1927 and reviewed in 1955 for the purpose of planning sewerage and water supply services shows that the footprint of the residence has almost doubled since that time. In the 1950s, a verandah was located across the full width of the rear elevation with a portion enclosed with weatherboard.
Aerial photographs of the place since the mid 20th century indicate that the place was extended in a number of phases of works. The rear two storey addition now in evidence was first constructed as a single storey extension in 1989/1990 and further updated in 2008/2009 with the addition of a covered patio. Addition of the second storey to the rear of the property took place in 2011/2012. The extent and form of the original residence are still clearly evident.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High: the place remains in its original function as a residential dwelling.
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 fair to good 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.