House, 4 Prowse Street

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value as a good, late example of the Federation Bungalow style.
• The place has historic value for its association with the development of this area of Bassendean in the early 20th century.
• This place has social value as a demonstration of the form and scale of housing in the early 20th century.

Physical Description

A single storey timber framed and weatherboard house with hipped corrugated iron roof which continues down to form the verandah canopy. The verandah canopy is supported on chamfered edged timber posts with timber brackets and simple timber frieze. The deck is a concrete slab. The hipped roof to the house has a raised ridge with vented gablets and non-original decorative ridge detailing. The place presents with a symmetrical façade with a centrally placed entrance flanked by 6-over-1 timber framed sash windows. A port hole window is located in the side elevation and a large addition has been constructed to the rear of the house.

History

This portion of Bassendean bound by Surrey Street, Brook Street, North Road and Old Perth Road was originally West Guildford Town Lots 134-138. These lots were owned and subdivided for sale by the Mayor of Subiaco John Henry Prowse (1871-1944). Prowse also served as the Mayor of Perth and was a Member of Federal Parliament. The subdivision with the name, Prowse Street was approved by the Department of Lands and Surveys in 1913.
From the available information this residence was constructed c1915 and the first owner and occupier was George Carter Avery (c1873-1930). Avery was a carpenter and it is possible that he was involved in the construction of the building. The family lived at the house until the 1950s, and their son Charles Avery built the house at 6 Prowse Street in 1939. Aerial photographs indicate that the form and extent of the original cottage are still discernible although it has been extended to the rear and the roof line altered to accommodate the addition.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
Moderate/Low

Condition

Excellent

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.