Residence of John Curtin

The Residence of John Curtin is a California bungalow made of red brick on Jarrad Street in Cottesloe, built with timber framing and clay roof tiles. The most notable feature is the spacious front verandah that extends the living space outdoors.

Built in 1923, this house became the residence of John Curtin, who served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1941 until his death in 1945. The state and federal governments purchased the property in 1998 to preserve it as a heritage site.

The residence shows how Australian political leaders lived during the interwar years. The rooms and their layout offer insight into the daily life of a family who would later gain national importance.

The property is accessible from the outside, allowing visitors to explore the architecture and grounds at their own pace. It is best visited during daylight hours to appreciate the full details of the brickwork and roof design.

The spacious front verandah was specifically designed for Curtin to practice his speeches regardless of weather conditions. This detail reveals much about the practical needs of an aspiring political orator during that era.