House

Statement of Significance

53 Johnston Street Peppermint Grove, a single storey (with basement), masonry walled, timber framed and slate clad roof residence first built for Charles Sommers MLC during 1918 in Federation Bungalow style, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
- the place is indicative of the continued growth and expansion of residential districts in the Perth metropolitan area in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries;
- the place utilised brick masonry, timber framed veranda and roofing, and roughcast render,
materials that were characteristic of Bungalow style architecture in the surrounding area in the first portion of the twentieth century;
- the place is an unusual example of Federation Bungalow style housing in Peppermint Grove, with added improvements to facilitate family life, appropriate to the needs of its subsequent owners;
- the place has importance for its character, which contributes to the streetscape and cultural
environment of the most prestigious suburb of Western Australia;
- the place was built as a residence for Charles Sommers, significant in Western Australian business and politics in the early twentieth century; and later owned and developed by prominent businessmen Hugh Brisbane and Warren Anderson;
- the place has an association with the prominent architect John (Jack) Cochrane Smith, a practitioner with complex personal associations to the suburb and with the development of other places in the district; and
- the place has rarity value as an extant example of a residence built within the austere First World War years (1914-1918) at Peppermint Grove.

Physical Description

The place is an excellent example of housing in Federation Bungalow style, overlaid with late twentieth century additions. It demonstrates the principal characteristics of it class. The place demonstrates the principal characteristics of a way of life, land-use and function. Its design also utilised utilised brick masonry, timber framed verandah and roofing, materials that were characteristic of a consistent vernacular architecture in the surrounding area in the first portion of the twentieth century.
Interior layout, features and fittings of this place may hold some heritage value. Further detailed survey by a heritage interior expert may be warranted prior to the consideration of approval of any interior alterations.

History

53 Johnston Street Peppermint Grove was one of the early twentieth century homes built in Peppermint Grove, as the suburb and the metropolitan area in general continued to grow with the rapid population expansion created by the1890s gold rush immigration and a flourishing economy. The place is indicative of development in Peppermint Grove along its more salubrious east-side portion in the early twentieth century, when homes for individuals and families with considerable assets were constructed there. The place was built as a residence for Charles Sommers, significant in Western Australian business and politics in the early twentieth century; and later owned and developed by prominent businessmen Hugh Brisbane and Warren Anderson. The place displays the skill of the prominent architect John (Jack) Cochrane Smith – a practitioner with complex personal associations to the suburb and with the development of other places in the district.

Integrity/Authenticity

The place has rarity value as an extant example of a residence built within the austere First World War years (1914-1918) at Peppermint Grove.
The place has local associations following occupancy by Peppermint Grove residents Sommers, Oliver, Campbell, Masel, Brisbane, Anderson and Kopke.
The place contributes to a sense of place for its obvious association with the early development of Peppermint Grove.
The refurbishment has respected the characteristics of the original. The place retains a high level of integrity.
The place is a good example of the style carry over from the Federation to the InterWar period. The refurbishment has respected the characteristics of the original. The place retains a high level of integrity. Extensive refurbishment and adaptation during the 1990's to high standard by Warren Anderson.

Uses

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.