HOUSE, 26 WALKER STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 26 Walker Street, is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey house dating from 1930. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the South Fremantle area.

Physical Description

Single storey weatherboard and iron cottage with a symmetrical facade designed as a very late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are painted horizontal weatherboards. The roof hipped with no eaves and clad with corrugated iron. The verandah is under separate corrugated iron bullnose roof with square timber posts and a decorative timber valance. There is also a timber balustrade to the verandah. The front facade is symmetrical with a central front door and timber framed windows either side. There is a small garden area to the front of the house and a timber picket fence to the front boundary.

History

In 1900, the lot was listed as being vacant land. A stable had been built by 1905/06, when William Harvey was listed as the owner.

House, 26 Walker Street was built in 1930/31. The City of Fremantle approved the plans for the house (which was estimated to cost ₤150) in June 1930. In 1935/36, the property was owned by the Mary Cottmans Trust and occupied by Henry Smith. From c. 1940 to c. 1990, House, 26 Walker Street was owned and occupied by Albert and Evelyn Mollett.

Albert Mollett was born in Kent, England, and migrated to Western Australia with his family c. 1912. Albert was a farrier by profession and in 1926 established a business in Douro Road with his father. The business operated until the 1970s. Albert then worked at Richmond Raceway for about 10 years.

A diagram dated 1954 shows a large weatherboard house with a full length front verandah and an asbestos garage to one side. The block was extensively paved at this time.

This place was included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - YELLOW - significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.