Heritage TitleHOUSE, 79 SOUTH STREETAddress79 South Street BEACONSFIELD WA 6162Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No21885Location DescriptionStreet Number79Construction Commenced1898Construction MaterialRoof – METAL: Corrugated IronWall – BRICK: Common BrickWall – STONE: LimestoneFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesDEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY: Immigration emigration & refugeesStatement Of SignificanceAesthetically significant as a fine example of Fremantle’s vernacular architecture. Typical single storey stone residence dating from the late nineteenth to early twentieth century. Historically significant as a representation of people’s living conditions in the Fremantle area.ArchaeologyConditionHistoryThe house was built in 1898 by Ruben Johnson, a wealthy coach-builder. It was purchased in 1904 by Capt George Francis, a sea captain for his wife, Catherine, and family. The Francis family was large; 13 children were born but only 6 survived - 5 daughters and a son. The daughters were named after flowers. Pansy was known for her wood carving; the fireplaces and mantlepieces bear testimony to her skill. She also carved dining chairs for each child, identifiable by the carved flowers. Restoration work has included the replacement of much the filigree work - the original pattern was matched. The interior has been decorated in period, with the original fireplaces restored, or pieces of the same period used. This place was included on the list of heritage places in the City of Fremantle identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80. (Lot 4B-5B CSL 7). The place was included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993 This place received a Fremantle Award in 1996 for Winner in the Heritage Category. Physical DescriptionSingle storey stone and brick quoined corrugated iron hipped roof and four painted chimneys with corbelling house. The bull nosed verandah has a gabled portico entrance and is supported by collared timber posts with filigree cast iron brackets and balustrades. The following places form a significant group and contribute to the streetscape South Street; 75-77, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 90, 91, 94, 98, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 109, 114, 140 & 142.AssociationPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residenceArchitectural StylesIntegrity/AuthenticityPlace 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 2
South Street, 79, Beaconsfield WA 6162. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 24/10/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/14495
