HOUSE, 4 NELSON STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 4 Nelson Street, comprising a single storey rendered masonry residence constructed c1901 has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: the place is of aesthetic value as a Federation Bungalow style of architecture residence that contributes to the quality of its setting along Nelson Street and the surrounding area; the place has some historic value as a early twentieth century residence that demonstrates the settlement and development of the South Fremantle area, the place social significance as it contributes to the community’s sense of place, and; it is representative of typical workers houses in the Fremantle area. The rear additions although compatible are of little significance.

Physical Description

Nelson Street extends from South Terrace in an westerly to easterly direction through to Attfield Street. 4 Nelson Street is located on the northern side of the street. The streetscape comprises of an intact group of heritage houses constructed in the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century. 4 Nelson Street is a single storey, brick and iron house with a symmetrical façade built c.1901 and designed as an example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are rendered brick and the roof is hipped and clad with zincalume. The façade is symmetrical with a central front door with side and fanlights and timber framed double hung sash windows. The verandah has a separate corrugated iron roof supported on timber posts with decorative timber brackets over a concrete verandah which is not original. There is a rendered masonry and timber picket fence to the front boundary line.

History

This area of South Fremantle was subdivided by Henry Briggs in 1893. However, Nelson Street does not appear in Council records until 1898 and was not developed until c. 1900. House, 4 Nelson Street was built c. 1901 for Joseph Scherer. Alfred Bellvifante is listed as the first occupant. From 1904/05, the cottage was owned and occupied by John Chadwick, a carpenter. Chadwick owned the property for about 10 years. It was then owned and occupied by Marmion Dalmeida. A Metropolitan Sewerage plan dated 1908 shows House, 4 Nelson Street as a large brick house with a full length front verandah. The rear verandah was enclosed on both sides with weatherboard. In the rear yard was a separate toilet and weatherboard wash house. The front yard of House, 4 Nelson Street was fenced in a similar style (probably limestone) as the house next door at No. 6. A Sewerage plan dated 1954 shows that the house was not changed much in the intervening years, apart from the enclosure of the rear verandah with weatherboard and the construction of an asbestos garage at the back of the lot (accessed off Silver Street). The fence at the front had also been removed by this time. 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.

Integrity/Authenticity

High degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). 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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