Samson House at Walyalup on Whadjuk Noongar Country

Samson House at Walyalup is located in Walyalup (Fremantle) on Whadjuk Noongar Country.

This impressive home was built in 1888 for Michael Samson, who, after a life of adventure – and often misadventure! – went on to become an active member of local Fremantle politics and, ultimately, Mayor of Fremantle from 1905 to 1907.

Michael was the son of Lionel Samson, who arrived in Western Australia aboard the Calista in 1829 with his brother, William. This earlier generation of Samson brothers established a liquor import-export that continues today.

The young architect Michael commissioned to design Samson House, JJ Talbot Hobbs, also designed the Western Australian War Memorial in King’s Park.

Hobbs was later knighted in acknowledgement of his contributions to architecture and his designs are well-known landmarks, including this house, which is a rare and fine example of his early work in Western Australia.