The Heritage Architecture of Fremantle

‘Ivanhoe’ - a Fremantle residence built in 1889 for James Lilly, shipping magnate. Corner of Hampton Rd and High St.

In 1829, British settlers established the Swan River Colony, bringing with them convicts, some of whom were skilled stone masons, along with building techniques from across the United Kingdom.

Fremantle was rich in limestone hills, and much of the limestone was quarried to provide materials for building the town. At that time, bricks were less readily available. If limestone homes had brick corner quoins, they were typically made of 0.5 to 1 bricks, with later brick quoins being 1 to 1.5 bricks in pattern.

I’ve noticed that some of the very old limestone rubble homes in Fremantle (built between the 1850s and 1880s) have wooden lintels and much smaller brick quoins, or none at all, on the corners. Larger buildings and homesteads, however, could afford the abundance of bricks required for standard brick quoins or full brick construction.

The heritage buildings of Fremantle and Perth are iconic, showcasing a unique set of architectural styles. Some of the prominent heritage styles include:

• 1829–1830s: Georgian Architecture

• Mid-century: Victorian Architecture

• 1880s–1920s: Federation Architecture

• Art Deco: 1914–1940

• Federation Bungalow: 1890–1915 (This style is popular in Mount Lawley, Highgate, and Northbridge. It represents a blend of Californian Bungalow and Federation architecture styles.)

These earlier buildings often featured:

• Bay windows

• Sash windows

• Jarrah or Baltic pine floorboards

• Leadlight windows around doors

• Ceiling roses

• Cast iron vents

• Ornate plaster mouldings

• Decorative sills

• Bullnose verandahs

• Tuckpointing

• Limestone block or rubble walls

Areas like Perth City, Mount Lawley, Northbridge, Leederville, and many other northern suburbs have far fewer limestone buildings than Fremantle. In these areas, heritage homes are predominantly Federation architecture, often consisting of full brick homes with tuckpointing that typically sit on limestone foundations.

Can I Demolish a Heritage Building?

No, you cannot demolish a heritage building without government approval. Unfortunately, in the past, many heritage buildings were not protected, and as a result, many were either demolished or remodeled in a modern style. As a consequence, many of Perth and Fremantle’s heritage buildings were lost forever.

Fortunately, the remaining heritage buildings are now protected and listed by the State Heritage Council. They are categorized to ensure their preservation.

It is crucial that we protect and conserve our remaining heritage homes and buildings for future generations. These structures are windows into the past, built by settlers and convicts to incredibly high standards. With proper restoration and adherence to heritage conservation laws, these buildings could easily stand for another 500 years.

South Tce, Fremantle, 1875.