ARCHITECTURE
No 1 Surbiton Road - Harvose’ was designed in the Federation Arts and Crafts style. Constructed in limestone, brick and rendered brick with a hipped and gable tiled roof-it is set on a limestone outcrop and is a prominent house in the area. The home retains the atmosphere of the era, with a large lead light front door opening to a wide hallway with pressed tin ceilings. There are four grand original rooms off the hallway - bedrooms, living, office - with features including extraordinary marble fireplaces, French doors to the verandah, bay windows and, on the eastern side, beautiful long views to the Darling Scarp.
The building was classified onto the Register of the National Estate by the National Trust in 1982. (reference).
HISTORY
Built at the beginning of the 20th century for architect, engineer, East Fremantle mayor and parliamentarian Joseph Francis Allen, the estate was named “Harvose”, in honour of Allen's Cornish heritage. It was occupied by his family from 1917 until his death in 1933. His only daughter Miss Janette Allen stayed there until 1934. (See more about him under Notable People)
The Reverend John William Clift and Mrs Ruth Clift lived at 1 Surbiton Road, East Fremantle from 1937 to 1941. Read more about him under Notable People.
1948 The marriage of Mary Therese,eldest daughter of Mrs. and the late Mr. P. Sullivan, of 42 Reserve street, Claremont, to Allan Thomas only son of Capt. and Mrs. C. H. Sweeny, of 1 Surbiton-road, East Fremantle, will take place at St. Thomas's Church, Claremont, March 29... (reference)
1949 Engagement Capt. and Mrs. C. H. Sweeny, 1 Surbiton-road, East Fremantle, have pleasure in announcing the engagement of their eldest daughter, Aileen, to Alex, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Brown, of 12 Murray-street, Palmyra. (reference)
RESIDENTS
1917-1933: Allen, J. F.
1934: Allen, Janet
1934 - 1935: vacant
1935 - 1937: Jeffs, Mrs. Mary
1937 - 1941: Clift, Rev J. W.
1942 - 1949: Sweeney, Captain C. H.
