fmr R&I Bank Branch

Parent Place or Precinct

03494 Houses (fmr), 257 & 259 Adelaide Terrace

Statement of Significance

The place provides a visual reminder of the former residential character of this area of the city of Perth in the pre Gold Boom era and demonstrate the standard of building and accommodation to which the city’s leading citizens aspired in the 1880s and early to mid-1890s.
The place 257 Adelaide Terrace was associated with the eminent Victorian architectural practice of Terry & Oakden, and built for prominent colonial merchant Ernest Chawner Shenton and, from 1908, was the home of the well-known Hayes’ family, including Sheila Gwynne (nee Hayes) who became an outstanding horse breeder and judge.
Despite extensive alteration, they are examples of finely detailed residences influenced by the Victorian Italianate style, relatively rare in the city of Perth, with 257 Adelaide Terrace relatively intact when viewed from the street and 259 Adelaide Terrace retaining much of its original internal spatial qualities and details.
Together the two houses have landmark value and add depth and meaning to Adelaide Terrace as two Victorian houses in juxtaposition with the late twentieth century high rise buildings that now dominate the street.
They are representative examples of Victorian houses that have been altered and adapted to provide for changes of use to residential flats and later commercial use as the city expanded and the needs of society changed over the twentieth century, a pattern of use that is not just typical of this locality but is common in western cities everywhere.
The individual significance of each of the houses that comprise Houses (fmr) 257 & 259 Adelaide Terrace is increased by its proximity to the other.

Physical Description

A two storey building (originally residential) with pitched hipped and gabled roof with tall chimneys with terracotta pots, ground level characterised by strongly modelled arched windows and second storey distinguished by sash windows and label moulds, the building is substantially intact although the verandah has been modified.

History

From the early years of settlement, the most prestigious residential address was St. George's Terrace. By the late 1880's Adelaide Terrace was characterised by large houses overlooking the five. This area was considered to be the prestigious part of the city prior to the development of West Perth.1887-88 two storey residence was built as the house for Ernest Chawner Shenton. It was named Sydenham. The family moved to South Perth in the late 1890s and leased the property in Adelaide Terrace. In 1901 the street number was 325. In 1905 the property was transferred to Monica Hayes who was married to Edward Joseph Hayes. Monica was the daughter of Daniel Connor who was one of the wealthiest men in Perth. The property was renamed Kincora after an Irish palace.
The Hayes family lived at the property for more than 50 years. In the mid 1940s Eileen Hayes still lived at the house, and Mary C Clarice. In 1938 the building was converted to two flats. This resulted in changes to openings and room uses. The house was sold in 1955 to the Motor Vehicle Insurance Trust. In 1968 the Rural & Industries Bank of Western Australia were transferred a portion of the two lots. The property was transferred in 1994. The building is vacant and has been since 2004.It is falling into disrepair and has been boarded up to prevent people trespassing.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of authenticity. Some alterations to accommodate commercial use.

Condition

Good

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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