House, 111 West Road

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value as a good late example of a Federation residence.
• This place has historic value for its association with the development of Bassendean in the early 20th century.
• The place has social value as a demonstration of the scale of a typical family home of the early 20th century.

Physical Description

Single storey brick and tile Californian bungalow styled house of asymmetric plan form with extensive verandah to the north and west elevations. The main roof is hipped in form sweeping down at the same pitch to form the verandah canopy which is supported on Doric styled masonry columns. The verandah is open with a concrete deck. The projecting
section of the façade incorporates a timbered gable detail and extension of the verandah canopy across the façade to form a window awning. The windows to the façade are timber framed casements with leaded lights. A further gabled wing is located on the north side of the property with similar timbered detail and rendered brick wall. The house is located behind a lawned garden with driveway and detached garage constructed to the south side of the property

History

Bassendean was originally known as 'West Guildford' and West Road was the original boundary of the Guildford town lots. This portion of Bassendean, south of Watson Street, was subdivided for residential development c1905 when developer, Wesley Maley purchased a large parcel of land bordering the river. The names of roads in this subdivision known as ‘Riverside’, reflected Wesley Maley’s enthusiasm for the prize rams he purchased for his Katanning pastoral property, Moojebing. Maley purchased a flock of rams from
South Australian politician, J.H. Angus. Several of the rams were named in honour of Australian prime ministers and consequently the names Watson, Deakin, Barton, Fisher and Reid were applied to the roads in this subdivision. West Road was to be known as 'Main Parade' in the original plan for this subdivision but it was more logical to retain the name 'West Road' as the existing road continued into the new subdivision. From the available information this residence and others located between Deakin and Watson Streets were
built c1919. Further research of the rates books may resolve the exact date of construction. It can be determined however that there was a period of development from 1919 in which several homes were built in the stretch of road. One long term resident was Robert William Knights, a railway officer who was elected to the Bassendean Road Board between 1943 and 1945. He and his wife Eleanor Eliza lived at the house from 1920 to the mid-1930s.
Aerial photographs indicate that the original form and extent of the residence is still apparent despite a series of major additions to the rear of the building since the mid-20th century. The owners c2004 stated that the original corrugated iron roof was replaced with tiles.

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.