Westward Ho

Statement of Significance

Fine Edwardian bungalow with its integrity intact set on a prominent corner block in proximity to a number of other heritage buildings. The distinctive chimney stacks could identify the architect.

Physical Description

Demolition approval has been granted in August 2003. Edwardian bungalow ,1910-12, with hipped brokenback corrugated iron/zincalume roof set in spacious grounds but somewhat neglected. A rough picket fence encloses the property. The roof has gablets north and south and gables to east and diagonally north-east. The gables are filled with pebbledash between boards. The gable to the east having the boards in a sunray configuration and turned finial. The tall corbelled chimneys are distinctive and ornate with rendered urn-like stucco pots. There are two string courses of render in the tuckpointed red brick. The upper string course outlines the arched windows giving the appearance of a frame. The three casement windows have three small arched lights above. The glass in the small upper windows is stained glass in a geometric Art Nouveau style. The front door is typically Victorian with a large glazed light in the middle and two smaller lights above. There are smaller lights to each side of the door and a fanlight above. All are stained glass. The verandah posts are turned. The valance is a plain curved board across each bay. The wooden railing is double with square section wooden balusters below the lower railing as in 16 Lillian Street of similar date. Other windows in the house are double-hung. The back of the house is weatherboard with some lattice, a skillion roof and a small gable.

History

The land Lots 1-3 sublot 73B was owned in 1903 by Alexander Cunningham MaCallum, ironmonger and merchant of Perth and Cottesloe Councillor. Alice Passmore widow who owned it in 1905 sold it to Annie Rossiter in 1908. Mrs Rosslter built the housed 910-12. It went next to Robert Manning Manufacturing Agent who sold it 5 minutes later to Blanche Kelsall 21/10/1913 at 2.55pm. The Kelsalls owned it until 1920 when it was sold to Kathleen Mallett of Limestone Station Marble Bar who owned it until 1971. Dr Henry Trumann Kelsall (1865-1932) born in India and friend and school mate of Rudyard Kipling named the house "Westward Ho". They were both schooled at the United Services College "Westward Ho" in Devon. Kelsall completed his MD with honours at London University in 1888. He came out c. 1890 to practice at Roebourne. He soon came to Perth where he married Blanche Edith Leake in 1892 of the old WA family and sister of George Leake who later became Premier of WA. Kelsall was on the first Board of Management for Perth Hospital and was an honorary from 1892-1917. He was trustee of the WA Museum Thomas Mallett (1863-1950) migrated from Devon to Queensland in 1882 and worked on cattle stations. He joined the goldrush to the Kimberley and stayed to pioneer 'carrying' between Derby and Halls Creek. He operated out of Cossack too then after the Marble Bar find in 1891 made the town his home. He established Limestone Springs Station in 1900. In 1906 he married Kathleen Costello. After a number of good seasons the family were able to afford a southern seaside home. In April 1917 the property was bought for 1550 pounds. Dr Kelsall sold to finance a farming venture at Moora. The Malett family with seven children found the house comfortable as a seaside residence and at times a permanent home. After Mrs Malletts death in 1968 it was sold in 1972. Few alterations were made to the house in the years the Malletts had it and none since that are visible. Up until the 1950s there were few other houses in the street. Colleen Kitchin grand daughter of the Malletts provided a description of the house, hedge, tennis courts, windmill etc, orchard and garden. Detailed plans of the gardens c 1930 are available at the council.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity good Modifications half of its original block sold off

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update