House, 42 Whitfield Street

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value an example of a simple inter-war timber residence.
• This place has historic value for its association with the development of Bassendean in the 1910s.
• The place has historic value for its association with small family businesses that operated from the home, in this instance a farrier.
• 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 timber framed, weatherboard clad dwelling with a CGI clad hipped roof with two vented gablet endings along the central east-west ridge. Projecting from the east roof plane is a brick constructed chimney with brick corbelling. On the south roof plane, over the point of the front entrance is a timber and roughcast render detailed gable feature which creates a statement entrance to the dwelling. The south elevation contains the centrally located front entrance which consists of a timber framed and panelled front door with timber and leaded glass side lights and a fanlight. Flanking the front entrance are two timber framed 1-over-1 sash windows with leaded glass side lights and a timber sill. Separate to the main roofline is a CGI clad bullnose verandah which extends across the entire south elevation which is supported by turned timber pillars and a timber frieze and decorative metal brackets.

History

This portion of Bassendean was subdivided in 1899 and promoted under the name 'Heidelberg'. The developers of this estate were a prominent group of local businessmen who held considerable land in the district and took the opportunity to subdivide the land in the late 19th century when there was a high demand for accommodation for working families following the gold discoveries in the east of the colony. 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. Whitfield Street was named in honour of Francis Whitfield, an early colonist and Guildford landowner and
Government Resident in the 1830s. From the available information this residence was constructed c1916 for the occupier Thomas William Walker Potts (c1875-1954), a farrier. He lived at the house with his wife Rebecca until the 1940s. As a farrier it is likely that the property was used for his occupation so may have included a blacksmith's workshop and
horse stalls. Aerial photographs indicate that the residence has been extended to the rear in stages and on the southern elevation. The lot was subdivided in c1990 and a new residence constructed on the rear portion of the lot.

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.