Merri Fields

Statement of Significance

Merri Fields has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place is associated with the Merrifield family who were well-known business family and owners after whom the house is named. The place is part of the Rowley Street streetscape comprising a number of similar residences which typify the type and style of construction in Albany at the end of the 19th century.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Timber weatherboard clad to dado and flat cement sheeting above with distinctive cover strips (imitation half-timbering) • Strong streetscape value at the end of the cul-de-sac with mature trees alongside • Timber joinery for doors and windows • Low timber picket fence along street frontage • Symmetrical façade • High pitched hipped roof with prominent rendered brick chimney • Verandah under separate hipped roof with central projecting gable forming entry • Timber joinery to windows and doors • Lands slopes to the rear of the house creating a second storey

History

Merri Fields was built on original Lot 346. By 1890 this had been subdivided into smaller Lots with Merri Fields located on Lot 1 of 346. The most well-known owners of the house were Mr and Mrs Richard Benjamin Merrifield, who gave the house its name. Mr Merrifield was a local auctioneer and sworn valuator. He formally was in the partnership business of Miles and Merrifield with Henry Edgar Miles whose store was on York Street. They dissolved the business in 1928 with Merrifield going out on his own. The Merrifields had three sons: Lancelot Kitchener, John Stanley (Jack) and Charles and three daughters: Mona, Jean Elizabeth and Phyllis Barabara. Lancelot went into business with his father and it became R. B. Merrifield & Son, and he also lived in Rowley Street with his wife. As well as his business activities, Merrifield was president of Albany football association and vice president of the Parents and Citizens Association.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Moderate/High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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