House

Statement of Significance

This place is an example of an early building in the area and is representative of the spread of development north of the railway line within Bayswater. The site has historic value for its
association with Benjamin Copley, an influential member of the Bayswater community.

Physical Description

Brick house with corrugated iron hip roof, vents at peaks and a reduced pitch covering the verandah that extends across the front of the house. This verandah is supported by slender cement Doric columns which are probably a later addition. The roof has a additional half-timbered gable over the central front door which is fully glazed with Art Deco leaded glass and has top and side lights. The front door is flanked by a pair of French doors on either side with top lights over a stucco band which runs across the natural brick wall at head height. The prominent brick chimneys have Arts and Crafts style corbelling and terracotta pots and the side verandahs appear to have been enclosed at a later date.

History

This was the original home of Benjamin Copely. Benjamin Copley acquired the five acre Lot 46 Coode Street in the late 1890s, at the same time opening a slaughter house on the land rented from Edward Browne, dairyman, in the present vicinity of the Hillcrest Oval. Copley was a person of considerable substance in Bayswater, as reflected in the elaborate residence he built shortly after buying his land. He subdivided the lot in 1904 and the road which ran alongside of it was called Copley Street. Copley was a Roads Board member around the turn of the century and apparently "a force to be reckoned with", as the Roads Board found it
quite impossible to enforce the instructions of the Central Board of Health concerning his slaughterhouse.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High
Authenticity - High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.