HOUSE, 22 AINSLIE ROAD

Parent Place or Precinct

22385 North Fremantle Precinct

Statement of Significance

House, 22 Ainslie Road, is a typical rendered brick and iron single storey cottage dating from the 1910s. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical building stock located within the residential areas of North Fremantle. Historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the North Fremantle area. The place is a very simple example of the Federation Queen Anne style of architecture.

Physical Description

House, 22 Ainslie Road, is a single storey rendered brick and iron cottage with an asymmetrical facade designed with very basic elements of the Federation Queen Anne style of architecture. Walls are painted and rendered brick. The front facade has a protruding gable roofed section with a single timber framed sash window, and a recessed section with a timber framed sash window and a front door. The verandah is in front of the recessed section. The roof is gabled and hipped corrugated iron. The verandah is under a separate corrugated iron roof and runs along half of the front facade. Verandah is supported by simple timber posts. A two storey tower has been constructed to the side of the house facing Corkhill Street. This tower is attached to the house, constructed of timber, has open sides and a corrugated iron pyramid roof. The house is on the high side of Ainslie Road and is elevated from the street. A limestone and iron fence is located on the front and side boundary.

History

Ainslie Road appears in Fremantle Rate Books from the 1890s as a street of unimproved lots. Although a 1904 Water Supply map indicates there were no buildings on the street at this time, Post Office Directories list a number of residents, suggesting a tent settlement prior to the construction of permanent dwellings. Ainslie Street was gazetted a public highway in 1905. Development followed relatively quickly, and by the interwar period the short street was mostly developed with modest residences. Following World War Two, a number of residences in the street were purchased by the State Housing Authority, particularly towards the eastern end. House, 22 Ainslie Road was constructed c.1911 for Arnott Mellor, who lived there until the beginning of World War One. The place was then occupied for three years by George John, and then William F Mellows from 1918 until at least 1924. Much later in its life, this house was for a time the residence of current (2013) State Premier Colin Barnett. This place was included in the 'North Fremantle Heritage Study' (1994) as a place contributing to the development and heritage of North Fremantle. It was also included in the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society (1979/80) - RED -significant for contributing to the unique character of Fremantle.

Integrity/Authenticity

Moderate to High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability, restored,some modifications and extensions). Moderate to High degree of authenticity with much 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

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