House

Statement of Significance

The place has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
• For its aesthetic value as a representative example of a well designed Federation era weatherboard cottage.
• For its historic value as a demonstration of the period in which Subiaco underwent rapid development in the early 20th century.

Physical Description

241 Railway Road is a single storey timber weatherboard cottage with a corrugated steel hip and gable roof displaying characteristics of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The residence has an asymmetrical form with a projecting bay addressing the street. The roof has a face brick chimney set behind the ridge line. The gable end is clad with weatherboards to the apex and features a decorative bargeboard and a turned timber finial. A corrugated steel bullnose verandah extends along the recessed portion of the front facade. The verandah is supported by turned timber posts with decorative corner brackets. The eaves are lined with curved timber eave brackets. A second gable is located along the southwest elevation and features an arched timber louvred vent. A timber framed entry door features highlights and sidelights. Three double-hung windows, with a central sash flanked by narrow sashes are located within the verandah and projecting bay. The window within the projecting bay features a timber framed skillion awning with turned timber brackets. The front yard is partially enclosed by a face brick fence approximately 1800mm high with some grass and plantings located behind. A low hedge is located in front of the verandah with a brick paved driveway extending along the west side of the property.

History

The area bounded by Hamersley, Derby, Heytesbury and Railway Roads was marketed in 1896 as Redfern Estate No.2 by the Intercolonial Investment Company Ltd. It comprised 93 lots, of which about one third remained unsold, particularly along Nicholson Road and in the triangle formed by Bronte and Redfern Streets and the laneway. Lot 4, the future 241 Railway Road, was marked as sold.
After changing occupants several times through the 1920s, from 1928 the place is listed as occupied by Albert William (Bert) Pearce, electrician, and his wife May. The couple do not appear to have had any children. Albert died in 1949, aged 62. May was still listed at the address on the electoral roll for 1980.

A sewerage plan from 1927 shows a timber residence with verandah across half the front width, which matches the extant building in 2021. The house was extended to the rear in the 1980s.
Railway Road through West Subiaco developed slowly. Post office directories list only seven residents between Nicholson and Bagot Roads by 1905. In 1910, there were around 13 houses in this area, increasing to 20 in 1920. The opening of the Daglish Railway Station in 1924 encouraged further residential and retail development and by 1930 there were around 40 buildings, increasing to around 50 by 1940.
241 Railway Road was first listed in Post Office Directories in 1911, when it had the address 183 Railway Road (changed c.1925). It was occupied by Thomas Boyes (c.1855-1939), engineer, and his wife Robina (nee Bennett) (c.1859-1953) from c.1911 to 1920.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High
Authenticity - High

Condition

Based on a streetscape inspection the building appears to be in a good condition.

Uses

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.