Residence : Cherrita

Statement of Significance

Cherrita, the home for many years of Sir Charles and Lady Court, has aesthetic, historic and representative cultural heritage significance. The house is a good example of homes built in Dalkeith and Nedlands during the Inter-War period. However, its strong heritage value lies in the contribution to WA by the original owners, Charles and Rita Court. Sir Charles' efforts in his local community, in the Nedlands electorate, and in the State during his long political career was remarkable and recognised by his elevation to knighthood. He was made a Freeman of the City of Nedlands in 1982. Contributing to the heritage value is the further association with the current Prem ier of WA, Richard Court, who was raised in the home.

Physical Description

This single-storey residence has a fairly common style with an interesting semi-circular front porch and a flat roof supported on precast columns. The house is symmetrical with projecting curtained hipped gables each side. Built from brick and then rendered, the house has a colour graduated Marseilles pattern tiled roof. The two prominent bay windows have limestone bases. The garden remains basically as kept by Sir Charles and Lady Court during Sir Charles' incumbency as Premier of Western Australia.

History

Without a doubt the historical significance of 46 Waratah Avenue is steeped in the story of its original owners Sir Charles and Lady Rita Court. Sir Charles Court rose to become Premier of Western Australia, a position he held from 1974-1982. This followed a long and successful political career and committed support to his local electorate, Nedlands from 1952 unti I 1982. Charles Court was born in Sussex England in 1911 and brought to WA as a young baby. He has been a resident in WA ever since He went into private accountancy practice at a young age and married Rita Steffanoni in 1936, at the age of 24. Court purchased 46 Waratah Avenue, Dalkeith for £150. The five Court children attended Dalkeith Primary School where their parents were active supporters. (The two eldest boys attended Nedlands School part of that time.) Both Charles and son, Richard have been patrons of the school. Charles Court was also involved as Chairman of the original building committee of St Lawrence Anglican Church. Renowned for his love of music and trumpet playing, Court managed to contribute to music festivals and eisteddfods as a soloist, band and orchestra member and at times, conductor, even after he entered parliament. During World War IT Court enlisted in the Army where he rose to the position of Lieutenant-Colonel. His contribution in the Bougainville campaign earned him an OBE (Military Division). In 1953 Charles Court entered State parliament representing the Nedlands electorate. From 1959-71 Court was Minister for Industrial Development and the North West, as well as Minister for Railways, 1959-67. In 1974 he became Premier after one parliamentary term as leader of the Opposition. Working hard in these roles he also continued to represent Nedlands. On his retirement in 1982 Charles Court's position as Member for Nedlands in the Legislative Assembly went to his son, Richard Court. Charles Court was knighted for his contribution to the community, state and country in 1972. Recollections by Sir Charles of his years living at 'Cherrita' include the many hours spent working in the lounge and dining room, sometimes far into the night Many negotiations of the major resource development agreements were conceived, undertaken and brought to fruition during some of those sessions. In winter, he loved to work around the log fire place. In the early days of living in the house the backyard was fenced off to allow chickens to run and vegetables to be grown. This was common to many homes in Dalkeith/Nedlands in those days. During the winter months the Court children and friends built yachts, one on the back verandah and one in the shed. The family home Cherrita was sold in 1996/7, the Court family lived there for 60 years. The name Cherrita was chosen by Lady Court. At the time they bought the land, Rita Court was working for a W A Trustee Company. One of the estates they administered was a North West Station named Cherrita. She received permission to use the name for the Court family home.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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