Byfield House, Northam, to be placed on interim register of heritage places

12/11/96

The historic family home of one of Northam's most famous sons is to have its outstanding heritage values recognised by the State Government.

Byfield House, the opulent former home of business and civic leader James Byfield, is to be placed on the Heritage Council of Western Australia's interim register of heritage places.

Heritage Minister Richard Lewis said the listing of the Gordon Street building was in recognition of its outstanding heritage and historic values.

"The home is a Northam landmark and its former owner was a prominent figure in the development of Northam at the beginning of the century," Mr Lewis said.

"The building is a demonstration of the wealth built up by Byfield as a direct result of the gold boom of the late 1890s.

"Its imposing tower and high level of opulence is uncommon in WA and the house is a well-recognised heritage site."

Mr Lewis said Byfield was the son of early European settlers of the Swan River Colony - his mother acting as a nursemaid to Governor Stirling's children.

Byfield, a Methodist and staunch temperance advocate, arrived in Northam in 1869 and established a business first as a wheelwright and then as owner of the local flour mill.

"Byfield branched out into other local enterprises such as coach builder, sawmill owner and builder," Mr Lewis said.

"Coupled with the prosperity experienced in Northam as a result of the gold boom, he became a very wealthy man and was to make a major contribution to the commercial, civic and religious life of Northam."

In 1902, Byfield bought land at Gordon Street and built the two-storey home, complete with an impressive tower, apparently modelled on a house he had seen in America.

The scale and opulence of the house reflected Byfield's status as one of Northam's wealthiest residents.

By the time the family moved in two years later, Byfield was Mayor of Northam.

Built of brick and tile, Byfield House is described as having 'a grand, eclectic design reflecting the several influences on architecture introduced into Western Australia by the gold boom'.

The house is characteristic of the Federation Queen Anne style, with tuck pointing to the brick work, a complex roof shape covered with terracotta tiles and punctuated with gabled dormer windows.

Mr Lewis said James Byfield died in 1914 and by 1922 the place moved out of the family forever. It had a series of new owners until the Army leased the building in 1942 and it became the headquarters for the Military Police in Northam.

"During this time a brick shed with iron roof and barred windows was built in the back garden," the Minister said.

"An Italian prisoner of war was reputedly locked up there for the whole of the war."

Over the years, Byfield House fell into a state disrepair - not helped by damage caused by the Meckering earthquake of 1968 - until it was bought by Eliza and Barry Briegal in 1982.

The home was extensively repaired and renovated and was opened in 1983 as a gallery and restaurant.

"The house became an important focus for the community and hosted weddings, anniversaries and charity auctions," Mr Lewis said.

"It has been visited by people from all over the world, including politicians and members of the Thai Royal family. It is part of the Northam Heritage Trail."

Byfield House changed hands again and is now used as a family home.

Mr Lewis said the building was in good condition and deserved recognition for being one of the town's most important heritage sites.

Media contact : Bronwyn Hillman 222 9595, 221 1377