HOUSE & LIMESTONE FEATURE(S), 96 MARINE TERRACE

Statement of Significance

House, 96 Marine Terrace, is a typical masonry single storey house from c. 1901 that has undergone some modification during the Post-War era.

The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area.

It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area.

The place is an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture.

The place demonstrates the evolution of the area and the contribution made to Fremantle and its character by Migrants from Southern Europe.

Physical Description

96 Marine Terrace is a single storey, rendered masonry and tile house built in 1901/02 with an asymmetrical facade designed in the Federation Bungalow style of architecture with some modifications in the Post War Era.

The walls are rendered masonry. The roof is hipped and clad with tiles. The facade has one projecting front room with double hung sash windows. The verandah has a separate tiled roof which extends over the protruding front room and is supported by timber posts and extra brackets. The front door has a fanlight and there are double hung sash windows to the right hand side. The house is elevated from street level.

There is a high limestone wall to the front boundary of recent construction.

History

House and Limestone Features, 96 Marine Terrace was built in 1901/02 for Alfred Borchet, a merchant of Fremantle. For a time, the house was known as “Tilbury House” and until the mid-1920s, its address was 109 Fitzgerald Terrace.

By 1908, the house was owned by T O Watson and leased to a tenant. The following year, the house was bought by Samuel Hardcastle, who owned it until c. 1915. There were several changes in ownership until 1925, when House, 96 Marine Terrace was bought by Victor Silich.

In 1926, Mr Silich built a cottage on the lot (in future, No. 98) by converting existing stables and adding to them. The Silich family lived in the house (No. 96), while boarders or tenants lived in the cottage. The Silich family comprised Victor and Mandalena Silich, their two girls, four boys and nephew.

In 1929, Mr Silich would meet newly arrived immigrants from Yugoslavia at the wharf, take them home, help them buy clothes and train tickets. Many of these men would board with the Silich family for only one night before catching the train to the Goldfields or the south-west, where many of them worked cutting timber.

The Silich family also provided meals. Trestle tables would be set up in the long hallway, and according to family memories, at times there were 80 people to feed.

In 1934 the family moved to the Whitby Falls Coach House at Mundijong, where they stayed until 1940. Both the house and the cottage in Marine Terrace were leased during this time. From the late 1940s, the cottage was also occupied by members of the Silich family. In 1941, the cottage was given the street number of 98 Marine Terrace.

Mandalena Silich died in 1960 and Vicitor died in 1963. Victor Silich junior purchased the property in 1964. Between 1964 and 1972, the galvanised iron roof was replaced with tile and the bull nosed verandah was replaced. Most of the windows were changed.

Victor Silich junior sold the property in 1972, and the new owners demolished the cottage. Since that time, House, 96 Marine Terrace has been occupied by a number of businesses. It has been owned by the Cicerello family since 1980.

This place was included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - BROWN -significant for making a positive contribution to the built environment of Fremantle.
This place was also identified in the "Heritage Report on 19th century limestone walls and steps in Fremantle" prepared by Silvana Grassadonia, for the City of Fremantle, 1986.
Limestone walls were built around properties in Fremantle to prevent sand drift in response to an early building regulation dating from the 1830s. The use of limestone is part of the Fremantle landscape and gives the City coherence and character. Most of the limestone in small walls came from local quarries.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree of integrity (original intent mostly clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability).
Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining.
(These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This data is provided by the City of Fremantle. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this data, the City of Fremantle makes no representations or warranties about its accuracy, reliability, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose and disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages (including indirect or consequential damage) and costs which you might incur as a result of the data being inaccurate or incomplete in any way and for any reason. Under no circumstances should this data be used to carry out any work without first contacting the City of Fremantle for the appropriate confirmation and approval.