House, 14 Watson Street

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value as a good late example of the Federation style.
• This place has historic value for its association with the development of Bassendean in the 1910s.
• The place has social value as a demonstration of the scale of family home of the early 20th century.

Physical Description

A single storey brick and tile residence with a tuck pointed finish and two rendered bands extending across the façade. The roof is hipped with a gable and includes a vented gablet. A separate tiled skillion roof supported on turned timber posts covers the verandah.

History

This portion of Bassendean 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. From the available information this residence was constructed c1914 for clerk, William Bushby (1889-1967).
William Clarke married Dorothy Muriel Inglis (c1890-1954) in 1914 and this residence was their first home. They named it 'Inglebush' to recognise the union of their two names. Shortly after their marriage the couple settled in Daylesford, Victoria where William Bushby's family were located and he joined the AIF to serve during World War One. Occupants of this residence changed frequently throughout the first half of the 20th century suggesting it
was owned as an investment and rented to a series of tenants. Aerial photographs indicate that the form and extent of the residence have not changed significantly since the mid-20th century. An addition to the rear of the residence were evident at that time and these have
been added to since.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
Moderate

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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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.