The Cliffe

Author

Shire of Peppermint Grove

Place Number

01924

Location

25 Bindaring Pde Peppermint Grove

Location Details

6/2/2012 Address includes: 25L Bindaring Pde and 37, 37A & 37L McNeil Streeet, Peppermint Grove. VFL.

Other Name(s)

Brisbane House (fmr)

Local Government

Peppermint Grove

Region

Metropolitan

Construction Date

Constructed from 1897

Demolition Year

N/A

Statutory Heritage Listings

Type Status Date Documents
Heritage List Adopted 24 Jul 2018
State Register Removed 22 Aug 2008 HCWebsite.Listing+ListingDocument

Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations

Type Status Date Documents
(no listings)

Other Heritage Listings and Surveys

Type Status Date Grading/Management
Category
Register of the National Estate Permanent 30 Jun 1992
Classified by the National Trust Classified 06 Mar 1984
Municipal Inventory Adopted 19 Jul 1999 Category 1

Statement of Significance

The Cliffe is one of the most significant places of its period in Western Australia with exceptional historic, aesthetic, technical and social significance. The Cliffe has been described as 'the showpiece for the local timber industry...a 30-room honeycomb of jarrah' (pascoe p 57). Externally J J Talbot Hobbs used a restrained Federation Arts and Crafts style, which has been muted with blander decoration. Internally the house has finely proportioned Edwardian interiors, 'MacIntosh' inspired Art Nouveau bedroom suite, original bathrooms and large kitchen, for lavish entertainment. The Cliffe demonstrates the skilled use of the several architectural lexicons of the day. It is an exemplar of its time because of the high level of authenticity. The Cliffe was a focus for Perth and Peppermint Grove society during the first quarter of this century. The history of the McNeil holding reflects the suburb's social development. Considerable social significance. The Cliffe and its grounds are a cultural group in their own right, whilst the subdivision of the McNeil holding now contains a group of significant InterWar residences. The Cliffe remains a rarity of a mansion constructed almost wholly in timber, in the form of a large bungalow. The Cliffe was one of the showpieces for the use of jarrah as a fine timber.

Physical Description

The Cliffe is a rare example of the use of a weatherboard in a substantial 'gentleman's' residence in Perth which has, intact, the subsidiary buildings of coachhouse, stables, summerhouse, servants cottages, and part of the original gardens. expansive single-storey timber residence (20 rooms). It has historical associations with the prominent McNeil and Brisbane families (owners) and with J. Talbot Hobbs (architect). The Cliffe was one of the first houses built in Peppermint Grove, and has a close association with the subsequent subdivision of McNeil Street and the development of the suburb. Federation Arts and Craft Bungalow Brick porches and extensive verandahs Summer house Servants wing Stables Original interiors, including service areas Setting: Large mature grounds, set well back from both street frontages.

History

Neil McNeil, a leading industrialist, was one of the first five people to establish themselves in Peppermint Grove. The original McNeil holding occupied the whole streetblock from The Esplanade to Stirling Highway, north of McNeil Street, which was named for the family. The McNeils were important members of Perth and Peppermint Grove society, The Cliffe was a notable venue for garden parties with its extensive gardens and cliffside setting overlooking Fresh Water Bay. The McNeils held Red Cross meetings to prepare garments to send to soldiers overseas during World War 1. The McNeiIs remained a part of the Peppermint Grove community for a quarter of a century. After the World War Ithe extensive McNeil holding was subdivided, with lots facing McNeil Street. The place has been owned for the past decade by Mark Creasey, a notable mineral prospector. Exceptional historical significance.

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: Minor adaptations

Associations

Name Type Year From Year To
J J Talbot Hobbs Architect 1897 -

References

Ref ID No Ref Name Ref Source Ref Date
Hocking I; "Report to Heritage CouncilofWA".
P010302 Register of the National Estate Database Entry National Estate
Molyneux I; "Looking around Perth".
Pascoe R; "WesternAustralia's Capital Suburb".

State Heritage Office library entries

Library Id Title Medium Year Of Publication
9187 The Cliffe - Peppermint Grove. Outcomes from site inspection. Heritage Study {Other} 1995

Place Type

Individual Building or Group

Uses

Epoch General Specific
Present Use RESIDENTIAL Single storey residence
Original Use RESIDENTIAL Single storey residence

Architectural Styles

Style
Federation Bungalow

Construction Materials

Type General Specific
Roof METAL Corrugated Iron
Wall TIMBER Weatherboard

Historic Themes

General Specific
DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY Land allocation & subdivision
OCCUPATIONS Timber industry

Creation Date

30 May 1989

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Approved

Last Update

18 Feb 2021

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.