Knocknagow

Statement of Significance

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Knocknagow, a single storey rendered masonry construction and Zincalume custom orb roofed residence in the Federation Queen Anne bungalow style with a belvedere and associated single storey former stables, has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: 1. The place is significant for its elevated and prominent siting, dramatic approach from the street and as a fine Federation Queen Anne style bungalow; 2. with its tall belvedere, the place has a distinctive landmark quality; 3. the place was acquired by Mary Agnes Mulcahy in 1902, and was occupied by the Mulcahy family, prominent Fremantle and East Fremantle identities, for nearly 80 years; 4. it is valued by the community as evidenced by its inclusion in heritage listings and the concerns expressed when the demolition of the stables were under consideration; and, 5. the place is rare as one of a small number of Federation Queen Anne houses with a finely detailed tall belvedere. The two houses and landscape developed on the Lot 2 to the south of Knocknagow are considered to have low significance. AESTHETIC SIGNIFICANCE No 24 Preston Point Road has exceptional aesthetic value as a Federation Queen Anne style house. Knocknagow is significant for its elevated and prominent siting and dramatic approach from the street. It retains most of the characteristic features of a dwelling of the type and period. HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE No 24 Preston Point Road has exceptional historic value. The place has associations with the Mulachy Family. It was part of the suburban residential development associated with the expansion of East Fremantle and the subdivision of Walter Easton’s Estate from 1901. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE N/A SOCIAL SIGNIFICANCE No 24 Preston Point Road has exceptional social value. It contributes to the community as a well known landmark on Preston Point Road and East Fremantle. It is associated with a significant area of middle class federation and Inter-War period development which contributes to community's sense of place. RARITY No 24 Preston Point Road is rare.

Physical Description

Federation Queen Anne Knocknagow is a single storey rendered masonry construction and Zincalume custom orb roofed residence in the Federation Queen Anne bungalow style with a belvedere and associated single storey former stables. It is rare as one of a small number of Federation Queen Anne houses with a finely detailed tall belvedere. No 24 Preston Point Road, Knocknagow, is a house constructed in rendered masonry with a hipped corrugated iron roof. Some rear sections of the place have limestone wall infill with brick quoins. The house is designed in the Federation Queen Anne style. It is uniquely designed and does not fit in with the typology precisely. It is symmetrically planned with a central door and hopper light flanked by sidelights. The facade features a full width return bull nose roofed verandah. The verandah is supported on timber posts without decorative treatments. There is a pair of bay windows distributed symmetrically about the front door. The bay windows feature French doors and double hung sash windows. The bay windows extend above the verandah to form a parapet. A gable is located centrally on the verandah and marks the entry. Above the entry at the second storey is an octagonal planned room. There is a belvedere located above this room. The room is constructed in timber framing with weatherboard cladding. The octagonal belvedere is open with a timber handrail and cast iron panel balustrade. The roof has a low pitch and terminates with a decorative finial. The roofscape is further enriched with tall stucco finished chimneys. The place retains its form and most of its details. There are additions to the rear. The place is consistent with the building pattern in the Precinct. The place plays an important role in the pattern of development of a middle class suburb.

History

Demographic Settlements: Residential Subdivision In September 1883 Stephen Henry Parker and James Morrison of Perth commenced subdivision of 65 acres of land to the north of Canning Road. The subdivision occurred at Swan Locations 63, 176, 219 and the south western portion of Swan Location 306. The subdivision included Preston Point Road, Alcester Gardens, Wolsely Gardens, Victoria Road, Alexandra Road, Parry Avenue, and Salvado Avenue. The Richmond Precinct was owned by Walter Easton and was named after the town of Richmond where Easton lived in England. In 1901 Easton’s sons subdivided Windsor Estate. New streets to the subdivision of the Windsor Estate were named after various members of the Easton family; Walter, Gill, Stratford and Morgan (later Osborne Road). Initially lot sizes were generous but sold at a slow rate. The initial development of the Richmond Precinct occurred at Canning Highway and Preston Point Road. Substantial residences were developed on these streets giving precedence to the future development of Richmond. The distinct architecture of Canning Highway and Preston Point Road distinguish Richmond from the surrounding area. By 1913 there were approximately 40 residences in the area between Preston Point Road and Alexandra Road. Osborne Road, Windsor Road and Gill Street had several buildings apiece by 1913. By 1931 approximately half the lots were developed. In 1921 Richmond Primary School was developed between Windsor and Osborne Road and several Inter-War residences were developed in the immediate area. In the 1930s the Workers’ Homes’ Board developed a number of weatherboard, asbestos, brick and tiled residences. Inter-War style front porches were preferred over Federation style full width verandahs. Redevelopments have occurred throughout the Richmond Precinct. Large lot sizes have allowed Richmond to be subject to the redevelopment of group and multiple housing. However, significant clusters of heritage dwellings remain throughout. No 24 Preston Point Road, Knocknagow was constructed in 1899 for Allan Murray Ayles. This follows the gold rushes in Western Australian and occurred during the latter stages of the construction of Fremantle Harbour. Knocknagow was acquired by Mary Agnes Mulcahy in 1902. It was occupied by the Mulcahy family for nearly 80 years. Mary Mulcahy’s husband, Daniel, was prominent in Fremantle and in the Irish Catholic community. Their home hosted many visiting dignitaries. Knocknagow demonstrates a high level of achievement in the Federation Queen Anne style. The place is especially distinguished by the well-executed belvedere and the fine proportions of the house.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Moderate - High

Condition

Excellent

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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