Stratford Villa

Statement of Significance

82 Vancouver Street, Stratford Villa, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place is one of a group of houses/buildings in the historically important Vancouver Street that have heritage value both individually and as part of a streetscape. The place was built by William Grills Knight, who also built The Rocks in Grey Street, and was also owned by Edward T. P. Troode, a well-known Albany identity as a prominent Albany merchant and also Mayor. The place was the venue for many local and popular society events and parties in the early 20th century.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Elevated position, well set back from the road, behind a stone and cement front fence • Building elevated on rendered foundations with arches providing access to area underneath the house • Ashlar block masonry finish to walls • Central door with prominent bay windows on either side • Three double hung timber framed sash windows in each bay • Hipped corrugated iron roof • Verandah across front elevation – follows curves of bays • Cast iron decorative balustrading and frieze/fringe and bracketing • Random laid stone balustrading to front stairs • Prominent brick chimneys Some obvious modifications include: • Addition of two front bay windows/rooms and verandah In 2019 the house was for sale and the following description appeared on the realestate.com.au website: Stately character home with dominant presence, boasting stone and timber features situated in one of Albany's historic precincts. Fire places, timber floors, high ceilings with ornate cornices and bay windows are complementary attributes. Entry is via a central hallway feeding three bedrooms and a formal lounge with access to the alfresco garden porch. At the rear of the home you can relax in the 'garden family room' adjacent to the country kitchen, the 'hub' of the home. The gardens, waterfall and outdoor sauna are striking features of this classic period beauty. The under home storage and cellar are certain to impress the wine enthusiast accessed from outside. (1365 sqm lot)

History

The gracious residence (opposite the old hospital) was built in c1860s by William Grills Knight (1839-1903) prominent Albany merchant and Mayor best known as the builder/owner of The Rocks in Grey Street. However, there is no evidence Knight lived in this house but built it as an investment/rental property. Constructed of stone, with plentiful use of pine timber, it was originally a simple rectangular hipped roof cottage more akin to the Victorian Georgian style. Like the other blocks along this section, the original block ran through to Grey Street. Most of the original houses appear to have faced Vancouver Street with the rear section of the blocks used for gardens, fruit trees, poultry, horses or even milking cows. Wells were also installed in most of the houses. By 1890, additions had been made by the next owner, A. E. Bray giving the house two front prominent bay windows and verandah. It was typical of houses favoured by the emerging middle class of Albany merchants who were prospering from shipping development in Albany. At the time the additions were made, the house was occupied by G. B. Cuthbert but in 1891, Edward T. P. Troode moved in as a tenant. Troode originally arrived in Perth as an official with the Convict Establishment. He later transferred to the Customs Department where he worked his way up to become Controller of Customs for WA. On his retirement in1891, he and his family moved to this house which at that time was known as “Stratford Villa”. By 1901, Troode had purchased the house. The Troodes had a number of children and society wedding receptions for at least three daughters were held in this house in the early years of the 20th century. There is evidence that the property was also the scene for other social activities such as croquet and garden parties on the front lawn. Troode lived there until his death in 1911, but the house the family home until 1915 when it was advertised for rent by Mrs Orr (one of Troode’s daughters) who boasted that it had all the modern conveniences including electric light. The Elliotts (Sam and Mary) were later owners then in 1982 it was purchased by Andrew Markovs and Aronia Donnellan.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High/Moderate

Condition

Fair

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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