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HOUSE, 56 CHESTER STREET, South Fremantle WA 6160
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleHOUSE, 56 CHESTER STREET Address56 Chester Street SOUTH FREMANTLE WA 6162Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No22841Street Number56Construction Commenced1920 cConstruction MaterialRoof – METAL: Corrugated IronWall – BRICK: Rendered BrickFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesDEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY: Land allocation & subdivisionStatement Of SignificanceHOUSE, 56 CHESTER STREET, a single storey timber, fibro, masonry and iron roofed house, is a representative example of a 1920s 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. The bungalow retains a moderate degree of integrity despite the addition, with much of its original form and materials intact.
ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistoryLots 12, 13, 26, 70 and 75 were subdivided by John Chester, an early land owner in the area. From 1887 until about 1930, the area around Douro Road was known as Chesterfield. Chester Street was originally known as William Street; in 1901/02, the name was changed to Lloyd Street and from c. 1901, Chester Street. In 1895, Subdivision Part 79 of Town Lot 12/13 (later 56 Chester Street) was vacant land owned by Samuel Hill. In 1910/11, the still vacant land was sold to Claude Still and then Ruby Robertson in quick succession. The property was bought by Tamar Hassy c. 1915, and by 1920, a cottage had been built. The property continued to be owned by the Hassy family for many years. This number has changed from #40a (1935) #54 (1937) to #56 (1940).Physical DescriptionSingle storey face brick, rendered masonry and iron house with an asymmetrical facade constructed c1920. The walls are painted and rendered masonry. The roof hipped with no eaves and clad with corrugated iron. The front verandah/porch is under separate half gablediron roof with square rendered masonry piers on face brick bases. The front facade is asymetrical with a protruding front porch The room to the side of the porch has a timber window and iron awning over. Ther eis a garden to the front of the house and no fence.AssociationHassy familyPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent 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. The bungalow retains a moderate degree of integrity despite the addition, with much of its original form and materials intact.
ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistoryLots 12, 13, 26, 70 and 75 were subdivided by John Chester, an early land owner in the area. From 1887 until about 1930, the area around Douro Road was known as Chesterfield. Chester Street was originally known as William Street; in 1901/02, the name was changed to Lloyd Street and from c. 1901, Chester Street. In 1895, Subdivision Part 79 of Town Lot 12/13 (later 56 Chester Street) was vacant land owned by Samuel Hill. In 1910/11, the still vacant land was sold to Claude Still and then Ruby Robertson in quick succession. The property was bought by Tamar Hassy c. 1915, and by 1920, a cottage had been built. The property continued to be owned by the Hassy family for many years. This number has changed from #40a (1935) #54 (1937) to #56 (1940).Physical DescriptionSingle storey face brick, rendered masonry and iron house with an asymmetrical facade constructed c1920. The walls are painted and rendered masonry. The roof hipped with no eaves and clad with corrugated iron. The front verandah/porch is under separate half gablediron roof with square rendered masonry piers on face brick bases. The front facade is asymetrical with a protruding front porch The room to the side of the porch has a timber window and iron awning over. Ther eis a garden to the front of the house and no fence.AssociationHassy familyPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent 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
HOUSE, 56 CHESTER STREET, South Fremantle WA 6160. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 29/07/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/36789