House, 68 Railway Parade

Statement of Significance

• This place has some aesthetic value as an intact example of inter war 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 a demonstration of the form and scale of housing in the inter war period for a working family.

Physical Description

Restrained single storey rendered brick and tile house presenting with minimal ornamentation. The hipped terracotta tiled roof terminates in twin gables to the façade and incorporates a plain brick chimney stack on the north plane of the roof. The façade of the house is rendered brickwork whilst the side elevations are painted brick and presents in a symmetrical form. The double door entry is protected by a flat roof verandah and enclosed by a masonry balustrade. The verandah canopy is supported by masonry piers and Tuscan style masonry columns. The flanking windows are the same, each comprising three section openings with casements and a fixed central pane. Both windows have shallow pitched canopies with the integral downpipes acting as an informal supporting bracket to the feature.

History

This portion of Bassendean, formerly part of location R1, was subdivided by a group of investors c1898. The group of investors included some of the most well-known members of colonial society: Stephen H. Parker, George, Harry Anstey, Dr Daniel Kenny, John James, James Grave, Henry E. Parry, Dr James Hope and William Paterson. Three of these men; Parker, Leake and Paterson; were at various times members of parliament. The demand for housing in the late 19th century was a result of the increasing population drawn to Western Australia following gold discoveries in the east of the colony. Railway Parade was named as a logical response to its location alongside the railway line. From the available information this residence was constructed in the 1920s although conclusive evidence has not
been currently found to determine the date of construction. The Town of Bassendean Rates Books indicate that the place was occupied by the railway employee, Charles Henry Burnett (c1896-1957) and his wife Ruby Isabella Burnett (c1894-1978). Aerial photographs indicate that the form and extent of the residence have changed little since the mid-20th century.

Integrity/Authenticity

High
Moderate

Condition

Fair

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.