House

Statement of Significance

• The place has aesthetic value as a substantially intact timber residence from the early 20th century. • The place has historic value for its association with the development of the area known as West Guildford, later Bassendean in the 1910s. • The place has social value as a demonstration of the scale of housing constructed for working families.

Physical Description

A single storey timber framed and iron dwelling with twin timbered gables to the façade. The asymmetric façade incorporates a projecting bay with a 3-sectioned timber framed opening containing casement windows, shaded by a corrugated galvanised iron and timber window awning. The recessed section of the façade contains a timber and glass door on the return wall of the bay and a further 3-sectioned opening to the façade. A verandah wraps around the recessed section of the elevation and around the side elevation. The canopy is a separate skillion form supported on paired timber columns with carved brackets. The property is located within a lawned garden enclosed by a timber fence.

History

This portion of Bassendean, on the eastern side of Wilson Street, was subdivided by a group of investors in 1898 under the promotional name of 'West End'. The group of investors included some of the most wellknown members of colonial society: S.H. Parker, G.H. Leake, H. Anstey, Dr D. Kenny, J. James, J. Grave, H.E. Parry, Dr J. Hope and W. Paterson. Three of these men; Parker, Leake and Paterson; were at various times members of parliament. Wilson Street was the western boundary of this subdivision and a slightly later subdivision was created c1902 on the western side of Wilson Street. The name of the street recognises either the Premier of Western Australia, Frank Wilson but more likely an early resident of Guildford, Colonel Wilson. This residence was built c1912 when it is first noted in the Post Office Directories. (Confirmation with rated books will confirm the date of construction.) Alfred John Watson (c1874-1950) and his wife Emily were the first occupants of the house which they called 'Watsonia'. Alf Watson worked as a labourer. The Watson's left the residence c1925 and the subsequent occupants until the 1960s was Arthur Edwin Popham (c1884-1966), a grocer and his wife Nellie Craig Popham, nee Aitken (c1889-1979). The Town of Bassendean archives note that additions were undertaken in 1939. Aerial photographs indicate that there have been minimal changes to the form and extent of the cottage since the mid-20th century.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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