HOUSE, 20 AINSLIE ROAD

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 20 Ainslie Road, is a typical stone and iron single storey cottage dating from the 1900s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a late simple example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 20 Ainslie Road, is a single storey stone and iron cottage with symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. Walls are tuckpointed limestone with tuckpointed brick quoins and reveals. Roof is hipped corrugated iron with small eaves. The chimney is brick with rendered corbel details. Verandah is under separate corrugated iron roof and is supported by decorative timber posts and has a simple vertical timber balustrade. Front elevation is symmetrical with two timber double hung sash windows and a central front door. House is on high side of Ainslie Road and is elevated from the ground level. A set of timber stairs lead up to the balcony. A limestone and brick fence runs along the front boundary.

History

Ainslie Road appears in Fremantle Rate Books from the 1890s as a street of unimproved lots. Although a 1904 Water Supply map indicates there were no buildings on the street at this time, Post Office Directories list a number of residents, suggesting a tent settlement prior to the construction of permanent dwellings. Ainslie Street was gazetted a public highway in 1905. Development followed relatively quickly, and by the interwar period the short street was mostly developed with modest residences. Following World War Two, a number of residences in the street were purchased by the State Housing Authority, particularly towards the eastern end.

House, 20 Ainslie Road was constructed c.1905-06 for John C Leighton and his wife (Amelia) Anne Leighton (nee Long). The Leightons owned and occupied the house until at least the mid 1920s. 1923 Rate Books record them as owners of a 5-room brick house at this address. John and Anne were married in 1904, and had three children. John worked in the 1880s at Pearse Brothers Boot Shop in High Street, after which he practised as a cabinetmaker.

This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -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, restored).
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.