House, 79 Kenny Street

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value as an intact example of a simple timber Federation residence.
• The place has historic value for its association with the 1910s development of this area.
• This place has social value as the house demonstrates the form and scale of housing for working families in the early 20th century.

Physical Description

Single storey double fronted timber frame and weatherboard house with hipped and gabled iron roof. The façade incorporates a centrally located front door flanked by a pair of 1-over-1 timber framed sash windows and a pair of multi-paned French windows to the south of the entrance. Gabled elements are positioned above both the windows and the French windows.
A separate bullnose verandah is positioned below the eaves and extends across the full width of the façade, supported on timber posts with timber frieze and brackets. A tall corbelled brick chimney extends from the north side of the roof. A carport has been constructed in the front setback incorporating some design detailing from the house.

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. 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. The street began to be settled in the 1910s with most intense development in the Inter War period.
From the available information this residence was built in 1916 and the first occupant was machinist Matthew Hosking Bennett (c1887-1940). Matthew Bennett lived at the property for several years before marrying Ethel Ashley in 1920. The couple remained at the residence until the early 1920s before relocating, then moving back to this residence in the 1930s.
The external form of the original residence can still be determined despite the major additions to the rear of the property and the construction of a carport on the northern side of the residence.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
Moderate/Low

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.