HOUSE, 12 THOMAS STREET, SOUTH FREMANTLE WA 6162
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleHOUSE, 12 THOMAS STREETAddress12 Thomas Street SOUTH FREMANTLE WA 6162Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No22160Street Number12Construction Commenced1897Construction MaterialRoof – TILE: Terracotta TileWall – BRICK: Rendered BrickFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesDEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY: Land allocation & subdivisionStatement Of SignificanceHOUSE, 12 THOMAS STREET, is a rendered masonry and tile single storey dwelling dating from c 1897. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area.
Constructed in 1897, the house reflects the expansion of Fremantle during the late 19th century, a time when the Western Australian gold rush brought economic growth and increased settlement. Its weatherboard and stone construction and iron roofing are indicative of the resourceful building practices of the time, particularly in working-class and middle- class areas where accessible and durable materials were favoured.
As an example of late 19th-century housing, it represents the daily lives of the working- and middle-class residents who contributed to the development of Fremantle. As part of Fremantle’s historic urban fabric, the house contributes to the collective identity of the area. It reflects the residential styles of the late 19th century.ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as fair (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistoryThomas Street was not formed until c. 1900 and was named for Captain John Thomas, an early land owner in the area. House, 12 Thomas Street was built between 1895 and 1900. In 1900, Annie White was listed as the owner of the house, which was occupied by James White, a smelter. This situation continued until c. 1950. In the early 1950s, House 12 Thomas Street was bought by Lancel Spencer. Mr Spencer seems to have moved into and out of the house during the 1950s. Following Mr Spencer’s death c. 1960, ownership was transferred to Eileen Spencer. Following Mrs Spencer’s own death c. 1973, the house was briefly owned by Blazo and Milica Pocek, before being bought by Sljivic and Nada Milodir. House, 12 Thomas Street has been owned by Mato Pekic since 1981. A plan dated 1954 shows a small weatherboard house without any verandahs. The house was fenced off at the side and rear. A well and several galvanised iron and weatherboard buildings, including a stable, were located at the rear Physical DescriptionSingle storey rendered masonry and tile cottage with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are rendered masonry. The roof hipped with no eaves and clad with tiles. The verandah is under continuous tile roof with metal posts and balustrade. The front facade is symmetrical with a central front door and timber framed windows either side. There is a low brick fence to the front boundary and a small garden area behind.AssociationPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residenceIntegrity/AuthenticityMedium degree of integrity (original intent partially 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
Constructed in 1897, the house reflects the expansion of Fremantle during the late 19th century, a time when the Western Australian gold rush brought economic growth and increased settlement. Its weatherboard and stone construction and iron roofing are indicative of the resourceful building practices of the time, particularly in working-class and middle- class areas where accessible and durable materials were favoured.
As an example of late 19th-century housing, it represents the daily lives of the working- and middle-class residents who contributed to the development of Fremantle. As part of Fremantle’s historic urban fabric, the house contributes to the collective identity of the area. It reflects the residential styles of the late 19th century.ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as fair (assessed from streetscape survey only).HistoryThomas Street was not formed until c. 1900 and was named for Captain John Thomas, an early land owner in the area. House, 12 Thomas Street was built between 1895 and 1900. In 1900, Annie White was listed as the owner of the house, which was occupied by James White, a smelter. This situation continued until c. 1950. In the early 1950s, House 12 Thomas Street was bought by Lancel Spencer. Mr Spencer seems to have moved into and out of the house during the 1950s. Following Mr Spencer’s death c. 1960, ownership was transferred to Eileen Spencer. Following Mrs Spencer’s own death c. 1973, the house was briefly owned by Blazo and Milica Pocek, before being bought by Sljivic and Nada Milodir. House, 12 Thomas Street has been owned by Mato Pekic since 1981. A plan dated 1954 shows a small weatherboard house without any verandahs. The house was fenced off at the side and rear. A well and several galvanised iron and weatherboard buildings, including a stable, were located at the rear Physical DescriptionSingle storey rendered masonry and tile cottage with a symmetrical facade designed as an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are rendered masonry. The roof hipped with no eaves and clad with tiles. The verandah is under continuous tile roof with metal posts and balustrade. The front facade is symmetrical with a central front door and timber framed windows either side. There is a low brick fence to the front boundary and a small garden area behind.AssociationPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residenceIntegrity/AuthenticityMedium degree of integrity (original intent partially 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 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, 12 THOMAS STREET, SOUTH FREMANTLE WA 6162. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 10/05/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/38150