Martha Street, 26, Fremantle WA 6160
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleHOUSE, 26 MARTHA STREETAddress26 Martha Street BEACONSFIELD WA 6162Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No22980Construction Commenced1899Construction MaterialRoof – METAL: ZincalumeWall – BRICK: Rendered BrickWall – STONE: LimestoneFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesDEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY: SettlementsStatement Of SignificanceHouse, 26 Martha Street, is a single storey brick and zincalume house dating from 1899. 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 Fremantle. It is historically significant as a representation of typical workers' houses in the Fremantle area. The place is a modified example of the Federation Bungalow style of architecture.ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistoryThe Rates books notes that there was a cottage at 136 Martha Road (now 26) in 1899 and owned by Charles Thorn. By 1903 the cottage included stables. Thorn occupied the property until 1925 when Robert Witheron is listed in as the resident. Other names listed in Wise’s Post Office Directories include 1930 Robert Culver and from 1936 Miss Dorothy Teasdale who with several varied married women is listed until 1949 when the last directory was published. Between 1936 and 1940 the address became known as number 26 Martha Street. The sewerage map dated 1908 shows a weatherboard cottage with a verandah across the front which is set back further than the existing masonry house on the site. The evidence is therefore inconclusive as to whether the existing house was built 1899 or c1910 although it would seem most likely that the sewerage map may be incorrect. Council approved two storey additions at the rear of the house in November 1993. There is a photograph on file at the City of Fremantle from this date. Physical DescriptionHouse, 26 Martha Street is a single storey brick and zincalume house constructed in the Federation Bungalow style of architecture. There is a two storey addition to the rear. The walls are rendered brick. The roof is hipped and gabled and clad with zincalume. There is a rendered corbelled chimney evident. The main gable has timber finials. The verandah is under a separate dropped zincalume roof supported by timber posts. The end is enclosed with lattice. The asymmetrical front façade has a protruding front room under the gable roof with timber framed sash windows under a zincalume awning with decorative timber brackets. The facade under the verandah roof has a door and timber framed sash windows. There is a rendered brick and timber picket fence to the front boundary line. The rear two storey addition is rendered brick to the ground floor and timber boards to the top floor.AssociationPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Two storey residenceIntegrity/AuthenticityHigh degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).Place TypeIndividual Building or Group
Statutory Heritage Areas
Statutory Heritage Area CustodianCity of FremantleStatutory Heritage Area South Fremantle Heritage AreaHeritage Area StatusContributoryHeritage Area InHerit Number22386Statutory Heritage Area Date14/10/2000
Local Government Statutory Heritage Listings
Local Government Statutory Listing CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Statutory Listing TypeHeritage ListLocal Government Statutory Listing StatusYesLocal Government Statutory Listing Date8/03/2007
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey Date18/09/2000Local Government Non-Statutory Listing Local Heritage Survey Management CategoryLevel 3
RELATED
Martha Street, 26, Fremantle WA 6160. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 19/03/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/13786