House, 12 Kenny Street

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value as a well-executed and predominantly intact example of the Inter War style executed in timber.
• The place has historic value for its association with the development of this area of Bassendean in the Inter War period.
• This place has social value as the house demonstrates the form and scale of housing for working families in the inter war period.

Physical Description

A single storey timber framed and weatherboard clad dwelling with a CGI clad gablet roof. The roof consists of a brick chimney with corbelling. A separate CGI bullnose verandah extends across the entire south elevation and is supported by rectangular timber posts with a timber frieze. Most of the south elevation is obscured by a high front fence. Despite that, it is visible that the south elevation has a centrally placed front entrance with a timber panelled front door with sidelights. On either side of the front entrance are a group of two centrally placed, evenly spaced, and timber-framed, one over-one sash windows.A modern carport addition has been built at the east corner of the south elevation.

History

This portion of Bassendean was subdivided by a group of investors in the early 1900s under the promotional name of 'Tanner's Estate' or the 'Tanner's Extension Estate'. The group of investors included some of the most well-known members of colonial society: S.H. Parker, G.H.Leake, H. Anstey, Dr D. Kenny, J. James, J. Grave, H.E. Parry, Dr. J. Hope and W. Paterson. Three of these men; Parker, Leake and Paterson; were at various times members of parliament. Kenny Street was named after Dr Daniel Kenny (1860-1915), born in Ireland
and trained as a medical doctor at Trinity College; he achieved several prominent postings in medical, political and business life in Western Australia. The street began to be settled in the 1910s with most intense development in the Inter War period. From the available evidence this residence was constructed c1921 and the first occupant was Sarah Gregory (c1880-1935). Sarah Gregory was recorded in the electoral rolls only as the widow of William John
Gregory of whom no information has currently been found. She appears to have lived at this residence until the mid-1930s. Interestingly most of the subsequent occupants were single women or women living together. The residence has not changed significantly in form or extent since the mid-20th century although it is apparent that the roof was originally clad in red corrugated iron which was changed to zincalume c1995. The residence was extended to the rear c2000.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
Moderate

Condition

Good

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.