House, 1 Parnell Parade

Statement of Significance

• This place has aesthetic value as a good, late example of the Federation Bungalow style.
• The place has historic value for its association with the development of this area of Bassendean in the early 20th century.
• This place has social value as a demonstration of the form and scale of housing in the early 20th century.

Physical Description

A single storey brick with a timber addition on a corner lot. The house is of brick and iron construction with timber framed casement windows and French doors. The hipped roof sweeps down with a gentle break of pitch to form the verandah canopy which is supported on timber posts with timber brackets. The timber framed construction with weatherboard cladding and a shallow hipped roof with a broken pitch. The former shop windows are evident behind a tall fence but cannot be seen in their entirety. The windows have CGI canopies supported on timber brackets.

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. The name Parnell is more obscure but may refer to the Irish political leader of the late 19th century Charles Parnell. From the available information this residence was constructed in 1919 and the first occupants, and probable owners, were newlyweds William and Louise Elizabeth Browne (c1882-1942). The couple had married in 1919 and the house, which they named 'Rosebrae' was first recorded on the site in that year. This residence was likely to be one of the first in this section of Bassendean. William Browne (c1877-1967) recorded his occupation as a bootmaker and he may have practiced his trade on the premises. It was noted in the local press that a daughter was born at the house in 1923. The Browne family lived at the residence until the 1940s. Aerial photographs indicate that the house has undergone significant additions throughout the late 20th and early 21st century.

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.