Solomon Street, 140, BEACONSFIELD WA 6162
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleHOUSE, 140 SOLOMON STREETAddress140 Solomon Street BEACONSFIELD WA 6162Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No23119Street Number140Construction Commenced1939Construction MaterialWall – ASBESTOS: Fibrous Cement, flatWall – TIMBER: WeatherboardStatement Of SignificanceHOUSE, 140 SOLOMON STREET, a single storey timber weatherboard, fibro and tile roofed house, is a representative example of a c1939 Californian Bungalow, reflecting the architectural and social trends of the Inter-War period (c. 1915–1940). This place is significant as a modest yet important example of the interwar Californian Bungalow housing style that became popular in Western Australia, reflecting both the economic and social conditions of the time.
The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. This house is a modest example of the Californian Bungalow style, which was widely adopted throughout Fremantle at this time. Characteristic features such as a low-pitched hipped and gabled roof, exposed rafters, decorative timberwork, and a wide verandah supported by masonry piers contribute to its architectural value. These elements contribute to the historical streetscape and the broader residential character of Fremantle.
The bungalow represents the expansion of Fremantle’s suburbs during the interwar period, a time when increased prosperity and improved transport links encouraged the development of detached family homes. It contributes to the historical narrative of Fremantle’s growth beyond its port and commercial hub, providing insight into the lifestyles of middle-class families in the early 20th century. It provides insight into the living conditions and domestic architecture of the era. The house contributes to Fremantle’s community identity, representing a period when the area saw increased residential development to accommodate a growing population. As part of a broader streetscape of interwar homes, the bungalow contributes to the collective character of its streetscape. It represents a period when Australian home design shifted towards informal, open-plan living, influencing residential architecture for decades to come. This house is a good example of the type and retains key architectural features that typify the period. ConditionCondition assessed as fair to good (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistorySolomon Street was originally known as Mary Street. It changed its name in 1951/52 to honour Elias Solomon, a former mayor and MLA. Lot 6 of 35 CSL 7 is one of the lots previously owned by Frank Biddles. In Council files there is a transcript from an interview conducted with Mrs Jean Bryan 25/05/2001 in which she states that the house was built for her in 1939, and she had lived in the house for 61 years as of 2001. ‘Hughes’ was the builder and he built it in 6 weeks.Physical DescriptionHouse, 140 Solomon Street is a single storey timber and tile house designed in the Inter-War Californian Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are timber framed with painted weatherboard to dado height, and fibrous cement sheeting above. The roof is hipped and gabled and clad with tiles. There are terracotta finials and exposed rafters. The asymmetrical façade has a door under a tiled roof at a different pitch and three timber framed windows with leadlight. The roof is supported by rendered columns on rendered piers with a painted brick balustrade. There are sets of timber framed windows either side, with canvas awnings over both, and an additional tiled awning over the window under the gable. Place UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residenceIntegrity/AuthenticityHigh 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).Place TypeIndividual Building or Group
The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. This house is a modest example of the Californian Bungalow style, which was widely adopted throughout Fremantle at this time. Characteristic features such as a low-pitched hipped and gabled roof, exposed rafters, decorative timberwork, and a wide verandah supported by masonry piers contribute to its architectural value. These elements contribute to the historical streetscape and the broader residential character of Fremantle.
The bungalow represents the expansion of Fremantle’s suburbs during the interwar period, a time when increased prosperity and improved transport links encouraged the development of detached family homes. It contributes to the historical narrative of Fremantle’s growth beyond its port and commercial hub, providing insight into the lifestyles of middle-class families in the early 20th century. It provides insight into the living conditions and domestic architecture of the era. The house contributes to Fremantle’s community identity, representing a period when the area saw increased residential development to accommodate a growing population. As part of a broader streetscape of interwar homes, the bungalow contributes to the collective character of its streetscape. It represents a period when Australian home design shifted towards informal, open-plan living, influencing residential architecture for decades to come. This house is a good example of the type and retains key architectural features that typify the period. ConditionCondition assessed as fair to good (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistorySolomon Street was originally known as Mary Street. It changed its name in 1951/52 to honour Elias Solomon, a former mayor and MLA. Lot 6 of 35 CSL 7 is one of the lots previously owned by Frank Biddles. In Council files there is a transcript from an interview conducted with Mrs Jean Bryan 25/05/2001 in which she states that the house was built for her in 1939, and she had lived in the house for 61 years as of 2001. ‘Hughes’ was the builder and he built it in 6 weeks.Physical DescriptionHouse, 140 Solomon Street is a single storey timber and tile house designed in the Inter-War Californian Bungalow style of architecture. The walls are timber framed with painted weatherboard to dado height, and fibrous cement sheeting above. The roof is hipped and gabled and clad with tiles. There are terracotta finials and exposed rafters. The asymmetrical façade has a door under a tiled roof at a different pitch and three timber framed windows with leadlight. The roof is supported by rendered columns on rendered piers with a painted brick balustrade. There are sets of timber framed windows either side, with canvas awnings over both, and an additional tiled awning over the window under the gable. Place UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residenceIntegrity/AuthenticityHigh 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).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 Date27/08/2025
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey Date27/08/2025Local Government Non-Statutory Listing Local Heritage Survey Management CategoryLevel 3
PARENT PLACE
Parent Place No22386Parent place nameSouth Fremantle Heritage Area
RELATED
Solomon Street, 140, BEACONSFIELD WA 6162. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 25/10/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/14443