House, 136 Kenny Street

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value as a well-executed and predominantly intact example of the
Federation style.
• The place has historic value for its association with the development of this area of Bassendean in the Inter War period.
• This place has social value as the house demonstrates the form and scale of housing for working families in the inter war period.

Physical Description

Single storey timber framed and weatherboard house with hipped and gablet roof. The house is of symmetrical plan form the façade incorporating two boxed bay features each with a timbered gable element to the roofline. The boxes bays incorporate two timber framed sash windows each being 1-over-1 design. The centrally placed entrance consists of a traditional arrangement of timber and glass panelled door with glass and timber side panels and fanlights above the entire arrangement. Each bay is topped with a timber and roughcast gable with timber finial. The roof is hipped with vented gablets at the ridge and has been reclad in long sheet corrugated zincalume. Tall corbelled brick chimneys extend from the north plane of the roof. A separate bullnose verandah extends across the full extent of the façade supported on turned timber posts with timber frieze and brackets. The deck is timber and raised above ground level and accessed from steps at the southern end of the deck.
The property is located on a corner position with lawns to both the Kenny Street and Reid Street boundaries, enclosed by timber picket fence. Vehicular access is via Reid Street.

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 was most intense settled in the Inter War period. No definitive information was discovered as to the original owners or occupiers of this residence. It is possible that it is the home of carpenter Richard Wallace who was living in this portion of Kenny Street in 1914. The style of the residence suggests it was built pre-World War One. Further research of the rates books
may reveal the original owner and occupier. Aerial photographs indicate the residence has been extended to the rear in several programs of work.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
Moderate

Condition

Excellent

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.