House, 6 Alcester Street

Statement of Significance

Aesthetic & Representative

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: No 6 Alcester Street is a single-storey house constructed in timber with and an iron roof. It has some historic and aesthetic value for its contribution to Richmond's high concentration of mainly middle class Federation and Inter-War period houses and associated buildings. The place contributes to the local community’s sense of place.
The place has some aesthetic value as a Federation Bungalow style house, with sympathetic additions. The place retains a moderate to high degree of authenticity and a high degree of integrity.

AESTHETIC SIGNIFICANCE: No 6 Alcester Street has some aesthetic value as a Federation Bungalow style house. It retains most of the characteristic features of a dwelling of the type and period.

HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE: No 6 Alcester Street has some historic value. It was part of the suburban residential development associated with the expansion of East Fremantle and the subdivision of Stephen Henry Parker and James Morrison’s and then Walter Easton’s Estate from 1901.

SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE : No 6 Alcester Street has some social value. It is associated with a significant area of middle class Federation and Inter-War period development, which contributes to the community's sense of place.

Physical Description

No 6 Alcester Street is a single-storey timber framed and clad house with a hipped and corrugated iron roof. It is a simple expression of the Federation Bungalow style. It is asymmetrically composed with a part width skillion roofed verandah supported on timber posts, which terminates on a gabled thrust bay. There is a balustrade between posts. There is a centrally located front door and the windows are casement lights. Walls are weatherboard clad.

There is a skillion roofed addition to the rear.

The place retains its form and most of its details.

The place is consistent with the building pattern in the Precinct. The place
plays an important role in the pattern of development of a middle class suburb.

History

Historic Theme: Demographic Settlement

In September 1883 Stephen Henry Parker and James Morrison of Perth commenced subdivision of 65 acres of land to the north of Canning Road. The subdivision occurred at Swan Locations 63, 176, 219 and the south western portion of Swan Location 306. The subdivision included Preston Point Road, Alcester Gardens, Wolsely Gardens, Victoria Road, Alexandra Road, Parry Avenue, and Salvado Avenue.

The Richmond Precinct was owned by Walter Easton and was named after the town of Richmond where Easton lived in England. In 1901 Easton’s sons subdivided Windsor Estate. New streets to the subdivision of the Windsor Estate were named after various members of the Easton family; Walter, Gill, Stratford and Morgan (later Osborne Road).
Initially lot sizes were generous but sold at a slow rate. The initial development of the Richmond Precinct occurred at Canning Highway and Preston Point Road. Substantial residences were developed on these streets giving precedence to the future development of Richmond. The distinct architecture of Canning Highway and Preston Point Road distinguish Richmond from the surrounding area.

By 1913 there were approximately 40 residences in the area between Preston Point Road and Alexandra Road. Osborne Road, Windsor Road and Gill Street had several buildings apiece by 1913. By 1931 approximately half the lots were developed. In 1921 Richmond Primary School was developed between Windsor and Osborne Road and several Inter-War residences were developed in the immediate area. In the 1930s the Workers’ Homes’ Board developed a number of weatherboard, asbestos, brick and tiled residences. Inter-War style front porches were preferred over Federation style full width verandahs.

Redevelopments have occurred throughout the Richmond Precinct. Large lot sizes have allowed Richmond to be subject to the redevelopment of group and multiple housing. However, significant clusters of heritage dwellings remain throughout.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High

INTEGRITY: No 6 Alcester Street retains a high degree of integrity.

Condition

Excellent

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.