Residence, 52 Mount Street

Statement of Significance

The place is a fine example of a two-storey limestone and brick residence in the Federation Queen Anne style;
the place was built during the gold boom years in Western Australia as one of the first substantial residences in the Mount Street precinct, and remains an impressive aesthetic statement in the street.
The place was designed by prominent Perth architect John Talbot Hobbs and is typical of his high level of artistic achievement applied to a residential building.
The place was owned and occupied by significant individuals in the history of Western Australia, including Everard Firebrace Darlot and his family and the Lee Steere family, and has been the residence of the serving Anglican Archbishop of Perth since 1986.
The place demonstrates a distinctive time in the development of the City of Perth and a type of development that is becoming less common with the promotion of more intensive urban development.
The place contributes to the community’s sense of place as an aesthetically striking residence in an inner city location, and as a reminder of the peak years in the residential development of central Perth.

Physical Description

Large two storey residential building with hipped and gabled roof to original section. Various extensions to the rear. Verandahs with timber posts and ornamental timber brackets.

History

Mount Street appeared on the first statutory plan of Perth prepared by A. Hillman and signed by Governor John Hunt in 1845, however, it was not established and settled until much later. Mount Street developed, along with West Perth generally, in the late 1890's and early 1900's. The elevated position made the area prime real estate and the area was characterised by large, often architect designed, mansions. Mount Street has always been an extremely prestigious address and has included embassies and homes of prominent families and notable individuals in the context of the history of the city and the state. The house was built in 1892 for Everard Firebrace Darlot and designed by John Talbot Hobbs.
Darlot was a pastoralist and owned stations in the Mid- West. He was the Member for the Legislative Assembly for Murchison. In 1910 Ernest and Bridget Lee Steere bought the property. Lee Steere had a business hauling goods and ore and also established a station near Meekatharra. The house was rented from the 1920s as the Lee Steere’s moved to Toodyay. In the 1960s the house was used as a hotel. Some of these large houses were converted to flats in the 1950's, 60's & 70's, and there were also a number of apartment blocks constructed in this period. The family sold it in 1975. During the 1970s it was owned by the Anglican Church which operated health and community services from it. The property was subdivided and sold, while the house was retained by the Anglican Church. The house was restored and used as the official residence of the Anglican Archbishop.

Integrity/Authenticity

High level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity as it has been restored.

Condition

Very Good

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.