HOUSE & LIMESTONE FEATURE(S), 27 THOMAS STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 27 Thomas Street, is a typical weatherboard and iron single storey house dating from 1903. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the South Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

The use of limestone is part of the Fremantle landscape and gives the City coherence and character. Limestone walls were built around properties in Fremantle to prevent sand drift in response to an early building regulation dating from the 1830s. Limestone walls are one commonly encountered example of use of this stone as a building material, most of them dating from the 19th century and early years of the 20th century. Most of the limestone in small walls came from local quarries.

Physical Description

Single storey weatherboard and iron cottage with an asymmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are painted horizontal weatherboards and fibre cement sheeting. The roof is gabled with no eaves and clad with corrugated iron. The verandah is under a separate corrugated iron roof. The house is elevated from the street level. There is a limestone fence to the front boundary with a small garden area behind.

History

Thomas Street was not formed until c. 1900 and was named for Captain John Thomas, an early land owner in the area.

House, 27 Thomas Street was built between 1900 and 1905. In 1905/06, Thomas Wimms (or Wims), a labourer, was listed as the owner and occupant. Mr Wimms continued to own the house until his death in the early 1970s, although the Ottey family were listed as the occupants from c. 1940. Ownership passed to James Wimms for a time, before the house was sold to Vincent Orlando in 1976. House, 27 Thomas Street has had a number of owners since that time.

A diagram dated 1954 shows a weatherboard house with a full length front verandah and centrally located steps leading form the street. Three separate weatherboard outbuildings are shown in the backyard.

This place was identified in the "Heritage Report on 19th century limestone walls and steps in Fremantle" prepared by Silvana Grassadonia, for the City of Fremantle, 1986.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as fair (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.