House

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value as a good, late example of the Federation Bungalow style. • The place has historic value for its association with the development of this area of Bassendean in the early 20th century. • This place has social value as a demonstration of the form and scale of housing in the early 20th century.

Physical Description

Single storey brick constructed dwelling with a CGI clad hipped gablet roof. The gablet runs along the central east-west ridge. Projecting from the west side plane of roof is a rendered chimney with a decorative crown. The entire south elevation has been rendered; the rest of dwelling is painted brick. Projecting from the east side of south elevation is a gable section with a separate CGI clad hipped roof. The projecting section has timber detailing at the apex of gable and has a centrally placed 1-over-1, timber framed sash window. Below the window is a decorative rendered sill and projecting over the window is a CGI clad skillion awning with decorative timber supports. Projecting from the east side roof plane of the projecting section is a rendered chimney with a decorative crown. Within the recessed section of south elevation is the front entrance which abuts the projecting section. The front entrance consists of the front door (any further detail not visible) with a timber framed fan light. To the west of front entrance is a 1-over-1 timber framed sash window with a decorative rendered sill. Extending across the entire recessed section is a CGI clad bullnose verandah supported by rectangular timber posts with decorative timber brackets.

History

This portion of Bassendean was developed later than the area south of the railway line. Development in the early 20th century was hastened through the establishment of the Cuming Smith and Co fertiliser factory in 1910 just north of the railway line. The new workforce led to a demand for new residential subdivisions. Survey plans for this area were approved in 1912 and the choice of the name Scaddan Street reflected the political mood of the day as it honoured Labor Premier John Scaddan (1911-1916). From the available information this residence was constructed c1914 and the first occupant was striker, Richard Medcraft (c1883-1950) and his wife Laura Linfield, nee Penaluna (c1870-1951). It is likely that Richard Medcraft worked at the Midland Railway Workshops. The couple had one son and lived at the house until the 1940s. The Town of Bassendean have records of additions approved for the house in 1931. Aerial photographs indicate that the form and extent of the residence is still apparent despite major additions to the rear and on the eastern elevation.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Moderate/Low

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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