City of Doncaster and Templestowe Heritage Study (Context Pty Ltd, Peterson R & Stafford B, 1991)
Theme 5 Farming The Land
Apart from those associated with gold (predominantly in the Warrandyte region), the majority of the early settlers in the area were occupied either with timber felling or farming, particularly livestock rearing, (either for meat or for dairy produce).The earliest settlers, the squatters, have already been mentioned in the theme 'Taking over the Land'. These were followed by the 'selectors' i.e., those who purchased tracts of land from the Crown in their own name. Major Charles Newman, who had been one of the original squatters in the locality, in tum became a 'selector', purchasing part of the land that constituted his original 'run'. Of the early phase of development, two of the pioneering homestead farms remain, and as such are highly significant remnants of the early history of· the area. These are Major Newman's "Pontville" still situated in Templestowe, that has retained much of its original appearance; and the Thiele family's "Friedensruh" in Waldau Court, Doncaster (which has been included in the theme on orchards).
Amongst the other pioneering farmers in the area were Robert Laidlaw, who bought land along Bulleen Road; John Chivers, who bought 100 acres along Church Road Templestowe, and George Smith, who bought some land from Laidlaw in 1854. These were predominantly dairy farmers.
The stock of buildings which fall under the category of farms include two large Italianate houses ("Ben Nevis" in Bulleen and the "Smith House" in Atkinson Street Templestowe), which were built respectively for George Smith and his brother James. There are also some much smaller buildings associated with farming, including the Beavis house and outbuildings in Carbine Street, Doncaster East, and the small wooden cottage that Ben Atkins built, now located at Schramm's Reserve in East Doncaster. The barn at the same location is the most noteworthy of the associated buildings.
It was orcharding which had the most major impact on the 'farming' history of the area, and was to be responsible for the character of much of the land for many years. Some of the early settlers had established plantations in the nature of market gardens, with berries and vines being the most favoured fruits. Gottlieb Thiele was planting potatoes, vegetables, vines and berries in 1853. However, it was soon discovered that pome and stone fruits were best suited to the area. The earliest pioneers in the development of the Doncaster and Templestowe district as orchard land included Richard Serpell, T. Petty, H. Finger, J. S. Williams, James Read, John Tully and the Thiele family (1).
Fruit production peaked in the early twentieth century, and according to S. Priestly in Cattlemen and Commuters. the Doncaster area produced one sixth of Victoria's fruit in 1903 (2). Orcharding continued to form the major characteristic component of the area until the advent of suburban development in the 1950s.
(1) Graham Keogh, The history of Doncaster and Templestowe, 1975 p30
(2) Priestly, S. “Cattlemen and Commuters a history of the Mulgrave district – now the City of Waverley 1839-1961” John Ferguson, Sydney, 1979, p89
It was built shortly after the land on which it stands was purchased from the Carlton Estate by Alfred M Caldecott. Caldecott arrived in Australia from Birmingham, England in 1849 and paid 864 pounds for the 74 acres he originally purchased along the Koonung Creek - later supplementing it with another 49 acres. The property was entered as 'Glenfern Farm, Kennedy's Creek' in the Shire of Bulleen rate books (1). Caldecott left Australia to become a cotton planter in Fiji in 1870, although his wife remained at the property for a further three years. An advertisement for the property in 1873 includes an inventory of the farm, stock, dairy utensils, agricultural implements etc to be sold. In addition to dairy farming, some grain crops must have been grown, as a thrashing machine and a winnowing machine are included in the list.
In 1957, John and Ruth Campbell bought "Glenfern" and undertook extensive and faithful restoration of the property (2).
Of regional historical significance as an early farm house externally largely intact (although on a much reduced allotment) associated with the settlement of the Bulleen district.
(1) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society, undated notes
(2) Dr Ruth Campbell, pers comm and correspondence.
The house was built for James Smith in 1890 (1). The Smiths were a large dairy¬ farming family (James' brother George built 'Ben Nevis').
The house was designed by the office of Reed, Henderson and Stuart (2), a major Melbourne architectural firm.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 173.26; 173.35; 173.36; 174.18; 174.4
Of regional historical significance for its associations with the Smith family, and of architectural significance as an externally intact example of an Italianate villa rare in this locality (more commonly found in inner suburbs such as Hawthorn).
(1) Listing citation, register of the National Estate
(2) Listing citation, register of the National Estate states that Joseph Reed was the architect, however, Reed designed very few houses and died in 1890.
Amongst the other pioneering farmers in the area were Robert Laidlaw, who bought land along Bulleen Road; John Chivers, who bought 100 acres along Church Road Templestowe, and George Smith, who bought some land from Laidlaw in 1854. These were predominantly dairy farmers.
The stock of buildings which fall under the category of farms include two large Italianate houses ("Ben Nevis" in Bulleen and the "Smith House" in Atkinson Street Templestowe), which were built respectively for George Smith and his brother James. There are also some much smaller buildings associated with farming, including the Beavis house and outbuildings in Carbine Street, Doncaster East, and the small wooden cottage that Ben Atkins built, now located at Schramm's Reserve in East Doncaster. The barn at the same location is the most noteworthy of the associated buildings.
It was orcharding which had the most major impact on the 'farming' history of the area, and was to be responsible for the character of much of the land for many years. Some of the early settlers had established plantations in the nature of market gardens, with berries and vines being the most favoured fruits. Gottlieb Thiele was planting potatoes, vegetables, vines and berries in 1853. However, it was soon discovered that pome and stone fruits were best suited to the area. The earliest pioneers in the development of the Doncaster and Templestowe district as orchard land included Richard Serpell, T. Petty, H. Finger, J. S. Williams, James Read, John Tully and the Thiele family (1).
Fruit production peaked in the early twentieth century, and according to S. Priestly in Cattlemen and Commuters. the Doncaster area produced one sixth of Victoria's fruit in 1903 (2). Orcharding continued to form the major characteristic component of the area until the advent of suburban development in the 1950s.
(1) Graham Keogh, The history of Doncaster and Templestowe, 1975 p30
(2) Priestly, S. “Cattlemen and Commuters a history of the Mulgrave district – now the City of Waverley 1839-1961” John Ferguson, Sydney, 1979, p89
Theme 5.01 Squatters, Selectors & Small Farmers
"Glenfern", 10 Amberley Court, Bulleen (192.1)
This symmetrical Italianate house was built in around 1858 for Alfred M Caldecott on his newly-acquired farmland (the land has since been much subdivided). It is rendered, with a slate roof. The verandah extends along three sides of the building; the verandah posts are in pairs with a valance over a timber rail. The frieze has timber bracket pairs.It was built shortly after the land on which it stands was purchased from the Carlton Estate by Alfred M Caldecott. Caldecott arrived in Australia from Birmingham, England in 1849 and paid 864 pounds for the 74 acres he originally purchased along the Koonung Creek - later supplementing it with another 49 acres. The property was entered as 'Glenfern Farm, Kennedy's Creek' in the Shire of Bulleen rate books (1). Caldecott left Australia to become a cotton planter in Fiji in 1870, although his wife remained at the property for a further three years. An advertisement for the property in 1873 includes an inventory of the farm, stock, dairy utensils, agricultural implements etc to be sold. In addition to dairy farming, some grain crops must have been grown, as a thrashing machine and a winnowing machine are included in the list.
In 1957, John and Ruth Campbell bought "Glenfern" and undertook extensive and faithful restoration of the property (2).
Of regional historical significance as an early farm house externally largely intact (although on a much reduced allotment) associated with the settlement of the Bulleen district.
(1) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society, undated notes
(2) Dr Ruth Campbell, pers comm and correspondence.
Smith house (or Sunnyside Farm) 134-136 Atkinson Street, (cnr.Williamson Rd), Templestowe (173.15)
A symmetrical, hip-roofed, timber, Italianate house with a skillion verandah extending around three sides. Two symmetrical canted bays (facing Atkinson St) with their own hip¬ roofs project into the verandah. The verandah has cast-iron posts and a timber valance rail, decorated with cast-iron lace panels and brackets. The eaves cornice has panels be¬ tween bracket pairs, and the chimneys have dividers over a bracketted cornice. The main entrance has side and fan lights. There is a recent catenary curved timber picket fence.The house was built for James Smith in 1890 (1). The Smiths were a large dairy¬ farming family (James' brother George built 'Ben Nevis').
The house was designed by the office of Reed, Henderson and Stuart (2), a major Melbourne architectural firm.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 173.26; 173.35; 173.36; 174.18; 174.4
Of regional historical significance for its associations with the Smith family, and of architectural significance as an externally intact example of an Italianate villa rare in this locality (more commonly found in inner suburbs such as Hawthorn).
(1) Listing citation, register of the National Estate
(2) Listing citation, register of the National Estate states that Joseph Reed was the architect, however, Reed designed very few houses and died in 1890.
Smith house, Templestowe
"Ben Nevis", 21-25 Ben Nevis Grove Bulleen (129.09)
"Ben Nevis", a large, detached, double-storey house with rendered walls and a slate roof, was built for George Smith in 1890 (1). The verandah (front elevation) is enclosed within projecting walls and has cast iron lacework decoration on both levels. An old photograph of the building (2) shows that formerly the verandah extended at least around the left hand side of the building, if not around the entire house. The underlying brickwork is polychromatic. There are two symmetrically placed bay windows on the ground floor of the front elevation. There is a porch on the left hand side of the building which is a later addition.There have been some external renovations including some new windows, a new cast-iron fence, which retains the old gate and pillars and the rendering itself.
George Smith was the first of his family to emigrate from Scotland in 1853/4. He was joined by his parents and five brothers in 1857 and the family became major dairy farmers in the region. Originally the farmland extending around the house covered approximately 200 acres (now it is about one acre).
In 1939 the property was sold by the Smith family to the Whites, in whose ownership it was to remain for the next forty years and who carried out most of the present alterations.
Of local historical significance for its associations with George Smith and his early farming enterprise in the district.
(1) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter February 1980.
(2) Hazel Poulter, Templestowe Folk History, 1985, p27.
"Pontville", 629-657 Blackbum Road, Templestowe (174.24)
"Pontville" was built by Major Charles Newman, the first permanent settler in Templestowe in around the mid-late 1840s. It is on part of the land that Major Newman originally occupied as a squatter in 1838. He officially selected and purchased his land here in 1843 (1). Major Newman was the first European to settle. on this land as early as 1838. His major farming concerns were grazing cattle and sheep and breeding horses.It is believed that the original building was a simple three-roomed house with a hipped shingled roof and a verandah extending around it. It was of brick construction, rendered and rendered as ashlar (2). Subsequently the main body of the house was extended to form a small wing on either side of the building both at the front and at the rear, thus incorporating an extra four rooms (this may have been in around 1870, at which time a detached kitchen and store room were built). In around 1950 the house was altered and enlarged. The small wings were removed and the bricks from these used to build a low wall right around the house. The space above this was enclosed with cement sheets over timber stud walls. Also one of the two chimneys and its fireplace was removed.
The building has subsequently been vandalised and had some cosmetic changes made to it in the form of some additions (weatherboarding and old-fashioned windows) made by a film company. Since access has not yet been obtained to the site its current condition can not be commented upon.
Of regional significance as a structure incorporating probably the earliest surviving pioneering homestead in the study area; it requires further investigation to confirm its significance.
(1) National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file.
(2) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, June 1983.
Beavis house, 89 Carbine Street, Doncaster East (194.05)
This is a single-storey, double-fronted timber Bungalow. It was purchased as a three¬ roomed property in 1902 and was added to in the 1920s.There are a number of buildings on the property. Two are timber buildings - one a small building that could be the original cottage, but with altered windows, and the other a 1930s house. There is also a recent brick house, and a range of outbuildings including a shed and poultry sheds.
The main value of this site is the landmark of a clump of Pine trees on the rise around the house, now overlooking the recent subdivision, with other pines scattered through the subdivision to the south.
Of local interest
House, Rieschiecks Reserve, George Street, Doncaster (193.16)
This simple late Victorian house was built in red brick by John Finger in 1890. It is symmetrical in form, with paired front windows with cream facings and a slate roof. The hip¬ roofed verandah has timber posts, with a fine fretwork valance and curved brackets with turned pendants. The lattice screen is a recent addition to the verandah.Externally the house is substantially intact. Surviving garden plantings include a row of Italian cypresses.
John Finger was the son of Henry Finger (who built the farm building now located next to Schramm's cottage).
Of local significance as an externally intact example of a farm house dating from the 1890s, and of historical significance for its associations with John Finger.
"Clarendon Eyre" (originally "Springbank") 6 Robb Close, Bulleen (192.5)
"Clarendon Eyre" (formerly "Springbank") was built for Robert Laidlaw in 1879, within extensive gardens (now reduced by subdivision) and sited on a terrace above the Yarra River, overlooking Bolin Swamp.It is a large double-storey, slate, hip-roofed, triple-fronted, Italianate house. The frieze has heavy bracket pairs, with panels between and a cornice mould. There are quoins and string course at first floor level. The windows have architrave moulds, with pendants, segmental heads and cast-iron balconettes, and the sills are supported by brackets. There is a hip-roofed verandah in the angle and another double-storey verandah on the south front. The verandahs have a dentillated cornice, cast-iron frieze over a timber transom, a cast-iron lace balustrade and cast-iron barley sugar columns. The first floor frieze has a scroll pattern.
The south front appears to be the main front, although curiously, the house seems neither to face Bulleen Road nor the river valley view. The single-storey T-shaped wing to the north has a massive external 'bread-oven' and finely moulded dentillated cornice. The chimneys have deep classical moulds, brackets and re¬ cessed panels, and the chimney breast steps with a Violet Le Due Gothic gable. There is also a round-headed leadlight stair window, facing east.
Robert Laidlaw was a successful local farmer (winning various prizes for his potatoes and wheat in the 1850s). He started as a squatter in the area in conjunction with John Kerr in the early 1840s. In 1853 he bought 90 acres from the Carlton Estate and named his new farm 'Springbank', from which the house takes its name.
Surviving garden elements include elms and a date palm on Bulleen Road, and a Red Gum and Moreton Bay Fig.
The house needs repair, particularly the verandah and roof.
Comparable to "Tullamore".
A large late Italianate house architecturally of State significance with unusual massing and interesting details. Adjoining is a single¬ storey section which could be an earlier cottage.
Clarendon Eyre, Bulleen
Cottage, 76 Serpells Road, Templestowe (173.37)
This is a simple, timber, double-fronted, symmetrical, hip-roofed cottage with a timber skillion verandah on two sides. The front windows have been replaced, and the cottage altered at the rear. Older plantings in the garden include the camphor laurels and wisteria.This building was built for Tom Chivers (1), the son of John Chivers who was one of the earliest settlers in the area in 1841.
Of local significance as an example of a simple timber cottage, typical of the housing built by farmers and orchardists, but becoming increasingly rare within the municipality.
(1) Beatty Beavis and Irvine Green, pers comm.
Ben Atkins house, Schramms Cottage Reserve, Victoria St, Doncaster East (193.20)
This house, dating from c1864 (1), was previously located at 72 Newmans Rd, Templestowe. It is a symmetrical, double-fronted hip-roofed cottage, with a skillion verandah that has simple transom and Tuscan posts.The house was built by Ben Atkins on the family farm and occupied by him until his death (2). The three rooms at the rear and the iron roof are later additions (3).
The loss of original location has greatly reduced its significance. The cottage is currently being developed as a house museum.
Of local historical significance as an early cottage; it’s significance is reduced by removal from its original site.
(1) National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file
(2) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, December 1987
(3) National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file
Theme 5.02 Orchards & Market Gardens
Although some orchards do still remain as viable working farms, these contribute only a small proportion of their former acreage. A number of orchardists' houses do still remain (some with small remnant orchards) within suburban streets.Characteristic features of the orcharding landscape include Cypress and Pine windbreaks seen along roads and property boundaries, and also a few dams and ponds. The earliest dams were usually small catchment areas formed on raised ground so that the water could be fed to the trees by gravity. When pumps became available dams were built on lower ground where there was a more plentiful supply of water.
Houses associated with orcharding include some fine Victorian brick residences such as the Serpell Homestead in Hemingway Avenue, Templestowe; and the pioneering homestead "Friedensruh", already mentioned in the introduction to this theme, as well as a number of modest wooden buildings.
House, 4 Beaconsfield Street, Doncaster (193.3)
A most evocative Edwardian, triple-fronted, timber, hip-roofed house. It was built for the orchardist Otto Bloom c1900 (1).The house has left-hand and right rear side, bays projecting as gables. The main roof continues over a verandah around the angle. Rafters are exposed and the upper gables are timbered and jetty. The windows are triples or pairs, one of which has a skillion hood. The verandah valance is catenary curved with rails. There are various similar outbuildings and a crimp-wire fence backed by a variegated privet hedge. There are two mature trees in the front garden. In fair condition with minor modifications made, this house is under threat of demolition and from the adjoining development.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 193.12 and 193.17.
Of local significance as an evocative and substantially intact Edwardian house and garden, and one of the few orchard houses remaining in this part of Doncaster.
(1) Beatty Beavis, pers comm
House, 4 Beaconsfield Street, Doncaster
Ireland house, 12 Berrima Road, Donvale (194.27)
This double-fronted Italianate house was built for Johan Ireland in the 1890s during the Depression, apparently reusing some materials from a house in Fitzroy. Ireland, an orchardist, purchased the land as a selection.It is a single storey rendered house, now much altered by two-storey addition.
Of local interest.
House, 227 Blackbum Road, Doncaster East (194.28)
A double-fronted, symmetrical, timber house, with a steeply-pitched hipped-roof. A concave verandah extends across the front face. There are remnants of a timber valance, with cast-iron brackets affixed to the timber verandah posts.There are large Elm trees at rear. The house is in a generally neglected condition.
Of local interest; further research is required
''Corumbene'', 524 & 526 Blackburn Rd, Doncaster East (174.8)
"Corumbene" is a detached single-storey, double-fronted, 1950s cream brick house. It has a gable-roof, with terracotta Marseilles tiles. There are also two other timber houses on the property and an orchard.Of local interest.
Orchard, Dawson Street, Doncaster (193.8)
Still actively managed, this apple orchard has a remnant pine windbreak on the south side.Of local interest.
Clay house, 10 Dehnert Street, Doncaster East (193.27)
This double-fronted timber house was built c1906 for Herbert Clay (orchardist), son of Dick Clay. It has a front verandah with turned timber posts and a cast iron valance across it. There are paired double hung sash windows on either side of the central doorway.Of local historical significance as a remaining orchard house, now within a suburban street.
Houses Cnr Doncaster Rd & Pettys Lane, Doncaster (213.6) (213.8)
This triple-fronted Californian Bungalow has major and minor gables facing the street. The minor gable at the right is set forward. A further wing gable is curved up for the verandah roof in the angle and faces to the left hand side, facing Petty’s Lane. The roof is Marseilles terracotta tiles with terracotta finials. The upper gables are clad with timber shingles. The brick fence is most inappropriate.A house generally similar in form and period is located on the other corner. No information has been located on the history of these houses.
Architecturally, these buildings can be compared to (for example) site nos. 194.25, 175.5, 213.3, 213.12.
Of local interest.
House, 783 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster (213.34)
This symmetrical, single-storey, double¬ fronted, Italianate, bichromatic brick house was built in around 1888 for the Zander family. It is in good condition. It has a hipped roof, a hipped curved verandah and a rear skillion extension. The chimneys are rendered and have classical mouldings; the eaves have fine, turned timber pendant brackets. The verandah valance and brackets are of cast-iron lacework with Tuscan timber posts. The windows are tripartite with bluestone sills and the four-panelled door has side and fanlights. The colours are reasonably appropriate. The roof has been replaced inappropriately with dark glazed Marseilles terracotta tiles and the verandah floor, with concrete. There is a rear timber outbuilding.This house was built to replace the original homestead of the Zander family, which was destroyed by fire in around 1888 (1). The family are subsequently believed to have lived in the barn and packing shed on their orchard until the completion of their new house. The land was bought from the Carlton Estate by Johan Andreas Zander, a German emigrant, in the 1850s.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) 891 Doncaster Road.
Of local significance as a characteristic Italianate house, significant for the area with alterations that can and should be reversed, and for its associations with the Zander orchardist family.
(1) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter December 1989
House, 1 Eastway Avenue (Fmr 390 Springvale Road) (near NW cnr Darvall), Donvale (214.04)
This is a symmetrical, double-fronted, timber Victorian/ Edwardian transitional house with a corrugated iron roof. The house built by George Sell on his orchard in c1900, is situated on a well treed block.This large homestead, parts of which were probably constructed at different dates, retains a substantial vegetable garden. Currently thought to be of local interest; but worthy of further investigation.
"Sans Souci", 786 Elgar Road, Doncaster (213.12)
An intact Californian Bungalow style house with a major gable across the site and with lesser major and minor gables facing the street, not nested. The right-hand major gable extends forward, as a verandah supported on pairs of concrete Romanesque barley sugar columns on red/blue brick bases. The upper gables are timbered with timber shingles. The windows are triples and the roof is clad with Marseilles terracotta tiles.There is a lemon orchard adjacent to the north which is hedged on the Elgar Road side with pittosporums.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 194.25, 175.5, 213.3.
Of local interest
House, 800 Elgar Road, Doncaster (213.14)
An hip-roofed timber house with window pairs including a comer window (1950s). There is a timber pergola; the garden plantings apparently date from the 1950s (1).Of local interest.
(1) Owner, pers comm
Orchard, Falfield Place, Templestowe (194.24)
A derelict orchard, dense pine planting and a house form a major landscape element in sub¬ urban landscape.Of local interest.
''Fromhold'', 176 George St, Doncaster (193.21)
This polychromatic brick, single-storey symmetrical Italianate cottage was built about 1897 for the orchardist Heinrick Fromhold. Sited on the top of a hill, it is oriented away from George St, which was not constructed at the time it was built. The brickwork features three colours, with red brick sills, polychromatic chimney and cream brick string courses, bracket pairs and panels in the frieze. There is a hip-roofed verandah supported on timber posts with cast-iron lace valance and brackets.Of local significance as an externally intact Italianate house and for its associations with Heinrick Fromhold, one of the German settlers who established orchards near the Waldau settlement.
House, 88-90 George Street, Doncaster (194.20)
The house was built by Reinhold Dehnert in 1897 (1). Dehnert, who had anived in Australia in 1855 from Prussia, bought some land between Blackburn Rd and Victoria St from some German settlers in around the late 1850s and started a farm. He had soon turned to orcharding, specialising in the production of pears. The house remained in the ownership of the Dehnert family until at least 1967.It is a symmetrical Italianate house, built in a rectangular plan, has three bays, with a central entrance. It is rendered brick, with vermiculated quoins. A frieze has bracket pairs and a moulded cornice. The hip-roofed timber verandah extends along the front and right-hand side. The front windows are paired and the entrance has side and fan lights. There is a building at the rear; it is clad with corrugated iron, and may be a former stables.
Of local significance for its long associations with the Dehnert family, early German settlers and orchardists, and as an externally intact Italianate house with associated outbuildings and plantings.
(1) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, June 1986
House, 88-90 George Street, Doncaster
House, 77 Hall Road, Warrandyte South (196.01)
This simple timber 1950s, double-fronted house has a concrete tiled hip-roof, and is in good condition. Associated with an orchard the land has now been sub-divided into hobby farms.Of local interest.
Aumann Orchard buildings, 132 Harris Gully Road and 250 Tindals Road Warrandyte (175.09)
The Aumann family were early settlers in the area arriving from Germany, and first establishing their orchards in this location many years ago. The property is still held by members of the Aumann family.Today the property comprises a large orchard, with several houses and outbuildings associated with the orchard·. The two earlier houses, each with a barn contemporary with the house, form the significant elements of the orcharding property.
There is a plain Edwardian double-fronted hip-roofed timber farmhouse at 132 Harris Gully Road. It has a simple timber hip verandah and symmetrical chimneys. A gable wing projects at the right-hand side rear. The verandah extends around three sides returning to the gable wing and the entry door has sidelights. The colours and the weld mesh fence are appropriate. There is also a large gabled barn contemporary with the house.
At 250 Tindals Road there is a timber, Californian Bungalow house with a corrugated iron roof and enclosing cypress hedge. The outbuildings include a timber barn.
There is also a 1960s house on the comer of Tindals and Harris Gully Roads, and a large (recent) cool store; these two buildings are not significant.
Of regional historical significance as a complete orcharding complex, including the orchard, and houses and outbuildings dating from the early 1900s. Complemented by the buildings on the west side of Tindals Road (245 Tindals Road) which are also associated with another branch of this orchardist family.
''Whispering Pines'', Heidelberg-Warrandyte Rd, Templestowe (174.5)
A single-storey, double-fronted timber Californian Bungalow. Of interest are the house, dam, outbuildings and trees. There is a cypress windbreak along the road.Of local interest.
Homestead, 23 Hemingway Avenue, Templestowe (174.18)
A mid-Victorian brick house dating from 1875. A four-roomed brick house was built by Richard Serpell, using clay quarried from his land. Serpell was one of the pioneering orchardists in the area (1).The house was sold to a Mr Scorfield who was acting for his sister Jane Jenkins, then resident in Wales. She, her husband David and their four children moved into the house soon after their arrival in 1883, extending it, and adding the verandah. The house still remains in the Jenkins family (2).
It is symmetrical and double-fronted in form, with a slate roof and a skillion verandah on three sides. The verandah has cast-iron posts, lace valance and brackets (the verandah was added after 1883) The left-hand side of the verandah has a timber infill.
At the back of the building is a section from the 1920s, in red brick with a slate roof.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 173.26, 173.35, 173.36, 174.4, 173.15
Of regional historical significance as an early building directly associated with Richard Serpell, one of the pioneering orchardists in the area, and for its continuing associations with the Jenkins family for more than 100 years.
(1) Listing citation, Register of the National Estate, Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, February 1975.
(2) Correspondence, D.N. and B.M. Jenkins, 14 June 1991.
Homestead, 23 Hemingway Avenue, Templestowe
House, 240 High Street, Doncaster (193.11)
Of local interest.
House, 285 High Street, Lower Templestowe (193.13)
Built in around c1920 by Ron Smith (orchardist). A double-fronted, hip-roofed timber Edwardian house. The left-hand bay projects as a gable with the verandah in the angle. Although minor modifications have been made, this house is in excellent condition.Of local interest.
"Thanet", 79 King Street, (NE comer Tuckers Road) Doncaster (194.14)
"Thanet" is a single-storey, Californian Bungalow of major and minor gables facing the street. The minor gable projects at the right-hand side. There is a verandah around the angle, supported on post pairs on brick piers. "Thanet" is situated behind an row of large cypresses and a gable rail timber fence."Thanet" is thought to have been built by A J Smith (an orchardist and one-time councillor) who owned the land in the 1920s and had an orchard in Tuckers Rd (1)
Of local significance as a typical and externally intact bungalow farm house associated with orcharding in the district.
This building was demolished on 6-8 August 1991 after the release of the draft study report.
(1) Beatty Beavis and Irvine Green, pers. Comm.
House, 75 Leeds St (cm.Cassowary), Doncaster East (214.11)
Dating from 1890, 75 Leeds St was built for Tom Petty for one of his workmen to live in (probably a relative, as all his relatives are said to have worked for him).It is a symmetrical double-fronted timber hip-roofed late Italianate house. It has eave brackets, with plain panels between. There is a convex hip-roofed verandah, with a fine cast-iron lace valance and brackets between turned timber posts. The windows are pairs and the four panelled door has side and highlights with coloured glass.
There is a later skillion rear extension and old plantings, especially in the rear garden.
Of local architectural significance as a typical simple late Italianate timber house, surviving in a suburban street, and of local historical significance for its associations with Petty.
House, 88 Leeds St, Doncaster East (214.10)
W. S. Williams' house was built in c1860 (1), and remains a detached, single-storey residence. Williams is believed to have been the first person to grow citrus trees in the locality. He constructed the largest dam in the area (in the valley between Leeds St and Wetherby Rd). He was the first person to win “The Leader” cup for the best fruit garden in Melbourne in 1883.It is an unusual, Early Victorian double¬ fronted symmetrical timber house with an M¬ hipped roof facing the street; the door aligns beneath the roof valley. Three good internal chimneys are of hand-made bricks.
There is a skillion verandah around three sides and a separate skillion extension at the rear. The verandah is on a concrete slab and its structure is mostly recent. There are three extensions beneath the verandah and an Edwardian rectangular bay at right. Some windows are 1930·s classical. The door is Edwardian, but the front windows could be old. They have a single glazing bar. There are old plantings at the rear.
It needs further repair, especially the roof.
Of regional significance as a rare surviving (but typical) Early Victorian timber farmhouse with later alterations not detracting from its form and with important historical associations with Williams
(1) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, May 1977
Cottage, 88 Leeds Street, Doncaster East
House, 2 McLeod. St (SE cnr. Hender St) Doncaster (212.01)
It is a double-fronted, symmetrical, hip¬ roofed, Italianate, timber house with eaves brackets and a concave hip-roofed verandah. The cast-iron lace brackets affix to timber posts. The four-panel entrance door remains, but the front windows have been replaced. Set within a mature garden.
Of local significance for its associations with the Petty orchard.
(1) Irvine Green, pers comm
House, 21 Mitcham Rd, Donvale (214.14)
This double-fronted symmetrical timber Italianate house was built for Ben Zander on his orchard land in around the late 1890s (1). It has a bull-nosed verandah with cast-iron valance and brackets. The house has a timber mock ashlar front, and paired windows each side of the central entrance (with side and fan lights).Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 212.1; 174.4; 173.26; 173.35; 173.36; 174.18; 214.2 (blockwork).
Of local significance for its use of architectural features unusual in the locality (Italianate style, bull-nosed verandah and paired windows) and of historical significance for its associations with orchardist Ben Zander.
(1) Beatty Beavis, pers comm
Houses, 31-35 Mitcham Road, Donvale (214.12)
Two houses, probably associated with an orchard remain. No information on the history of this property has been located.Of local interest.
House, 34 Mitcham Road, Donvale (214.08)
This single-storey, Edwardian, brick house with a terracotta tile roof and a bay window on projecting section, is not visible from the road.It was built for Edwin Noonan in the early 1930s (1). There are some pines and orchard remnants, and a brick garage.
Of local interest.
(1) Beatty Beavis, pers comm.
"Fermanagh", 77 Mitcham Road, Doncaster (214.02)
"Fermanagh" was built for Otto Leber and his family, orchardists (1)."Fermanagh" is a double-fronted, symmetrical timber Italianate house, with timber mock ashlar decoration at the front. It has a hip¬ roofed verandah, which has continuous lace brackets and valance between timber posts, and the frieze has bracket pairs, with panels between. The fence and garden plantings are significant.
It is intact and in good condition although under threat of redevelopment.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 212.01, 174.4, 173.26, 174.16 and 214.14.
Of local significance as an intact timber Italianate house, within its garden setting, and for its historical associations with orcharding.
(1) Beatty Beavis and Irvine Green, pers comm.
"Fermanagh", 77Mitcham Road, Doncaster
House, 123 Mitcham Road (NW cnr of Ruby), Donvale (214.03)
Built in the early 1900s by Alex Crouch on his orchard lands (1) this house is intact and in excellent condition. It is an Edwardian, triple-fronted, hip-roofed timber house. The left-hand front and rear right-hand side bays project as gables. The upper gables are timbered and jetty as decorative brackets. The main roof extends down as a skillion verandah which extends around the angle. At the comer is an angled minor gable with a turned finial in front of a splayed comer window. Other windows are triples.A well preserved orchard house of local significance.
(1) Beatty Beavis, pers comm
House, 123 Mitcham Road, Donvale
Petty & Austins Orchards, Monckton & Homestead Rds, Templestowe (154.01)
The Petty family has been associated with orcharding since about the late 1850s (1), not long after they arrived as emigrants from England. They established orchards on this area near the Yarra River c1853.The orchard is now within the Yarra Valley Metropolitan Park; part is leased to a commercial orchardist and the other section directly managed by the Board of Works. The aim is to return to production some 200 varieties of apples grown in Victoria since 1900, most no longer available commercially.
While largely a modern orchard (2), an old packing shed remains on the property, and is now used as a museum of orchardist's equipment.
Of local significance as the site of the Petty family's 1853 orchard, for its long history of use as an orchard, and as the site on which a number of apple varieties are now being 'conserved'.
(1) Graham Keogh, The history of Doncaster and Templestowe, 1975, p30
(2) M. McBriar Heritaae study of the Yarra Valley Metropolitan .Unpublished report, Board of Works, section 7.4.J.
''Hilldene'', 36 Octantis Street, East Doncaster (194.30)
"Hilldene", formerly located on the comer of Blackbum and Andersons Creek Roads, is a large bungalow house of c1921.It was built for Ernest Wagstaff, the first General Manager of the Shell Company in Australia and New Zealand (1). The land on which it stands was first planted as an orchard in the 1880s by John Cronin. For Wagstaff it was really only a “hobby” farm and he employed a manager, Jack Snell, to work the orchard. Snell lived in the original orchard cottage.
The locality has long been known as Wagstaffs comer.
In 1936 it was bought by William Langlands Jack and enlarged by him, with a new grand entrance and extending the house by joining on the old cottage. The land around the house has since been subdivided.
Of local significance for its associations with Ernest Wagstaff, and with earlier orcharding activities. Once a local landmark at "Wagstaff s Comer", resubdivision of the area has resulted in the loss of this aspect of its significance.
(1) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter March 1990.
House, 60 Park Road, Donvale (215.01)
Owned by M. Petty, this is a simple timber, Californian Bungalow house with gable roof across the site. It appears to be symmetrical, except for the gable roofed wing at left, (perhaps a later addition). The windows are triples, and there is a stepped brick balustrade to the skillion verandah with timber post pairs.The house is believed to have been built by the War Service Homes Commission
Associated with orcharding in the 1950s (1) there are few remaining trees today and the land has been subdivided. Further south there is a row of Pines and a dam.
Of local interest.
(1) Aerial photograph, Ringwood A2D 1957/8
House, Park Road (west side, south of comer of Conos Crt), Donvale (215.05)
A 1950s double-fronted, weatherboard house with a terracotta tile roof. This house, associated with an orchard, is situated on a large allotment and appears abandoned.Of local interest.
Orchard (fmr), Park Road (Opposite intersection - Savaris Court), Donvale (215.12)
This former orchard is now being used mainly for grazing horses. There are Pine and Cypress windbreaks, a dam and orchard rows with stump regrowth.Of local interest.
Orchard, 208 Park Rd. Donvale (215.04)
Part of the Petty orchards (1) A recent, 1960s, double-storey, double-fronted, brick house with a terracotta tile roof, situated on an orchard with derelict sheds.Of local interest.
(1) Shown as "Pettys" on aerial photo, Ringwood, A2D, 1957/58
House, 205 Serpells Rd (NW cnr Smiths Rd), Templestowe (194.16)
This house was built for David Smith on his orchard (1). A double fronted timber early Edwardian house, the right-hand wing set forward as a gable. There is a bull-nosed verandah in the angle. There are pressed metal finials. The gable of roughcast timber projects forward to form a jetty. Walls are a timber false ashlar. Windows were replaced in the 1930s. Eaves have bracket pairs between panels.Of local interest. A typical early Edwardian house with some nineteenth century characteristics.
(1) Irvine Green and Beatty Beavis, pers. comm
House, 45 Smiths Rd, Templestowe (174.04)
This house is thought to have been built for Arthur Aumann, an orchardist and a member of a large orcharding family (1).A double-fronted, symmetrical, timber, Italianate house, with a skillion timber verandah, returning at the left-hand side. The verandah has turned timber posts, cast-iron lace valance and brackets. The eaves have paired brackets. A side window has a timber hood.
There are timber outbuildings and surviving old orchard plantings.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 173.26; 173.35; 173.36; 174.18; 214.14.
Of local significance as an typical and externally intact timber Italianate farm house retaining associated outbuildings and older garden plantings.
(1) Beatty Beavis and Irvine Green, pers comm
Donvale Bowls Club, Mullum Mullurn Reserve, Springvale Rd. Donvale (194.25)
This timber Californian Bungalow with major and minor gable roofs, is enclosed by large cypresses, and was sited within a former orchard.Of local interest.
House, 52-54 Serpells Road, Templestowe (173.35)
The house was built by Fred Schuhkraft in 1886 as a six-roomed house with a central hallway. The Schuhkrafts sold the property in 1908. In 1922 it was bought by Charles Rasmussen after his marriage to Alfrieda Aumann. Rasmussen's father, Neils, had carted bricks for the construction of the house, and had later rented the property as an orchard, leasing out the house (1).It is a symmetrical double-fronted, hip¬ roofed, Italianate house with polychromatic brickwork and a slate roof. A skillion verandah, with timber fretwork valance and brackets, extends around three sides. The cornice frieze has bracket pairs and panels.
The verandah, a kitchen and bathroom were added by Rasmussen in 1923 (2).
The circular drive around a central garden bed is appropriate to the period of the house. A large cypress hedge extends along the Serpells Road boundary behind a recent picket fence. There are substantial new additions to the rear.
The old Templestowe Common School No. 627, said to be prefabricated building, was re located to this site and used as a shed, however it is not known if it still remains (3).
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 174.4; 173.15;'173.36; 174.18; 173.26.
Of local significance as a large Italianate farm house, rather more elaborate than other local examples, with interesting associations with orcharding families.
(1) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter. I0(2), Nov.1976, pp. 4-7.
(2) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter. 10(2), Nov.1976, p. 5
(3) Irvine Green pers. comm.; Green Templestowe: a short history. p.7.
''Morialta", 81 Serpells Rd, Templestowe (173.36)
This symmetrical, double-fronted, hip-roofed, timber house is predominantly Italianate in style (e.g. eaves brackets), but demonstrating the transition to the Edwardian period. A skillion verandah with timber fretwork brackets extends around three sides of the house.This was the house of John and Emily Read; John was the son of James Read, a pioneering orchardist in the area.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 173.4; 173.35; 173.15; 173.26; 174.18.
Of local significance as an externally intact farmhouse, and for its associations with Read.
Till's house, Tills Drive, Warrandyte (155.48)
After closure of the mine, Mr Till turned to orcharding and built a timber house on what is now called Tills Drive. The house dates from c. l 920s.Of local interest.
House, 245 Tindals Road, Warrandyte (175.5)
Built around 1930, this is a double-fronted, gable roofed, rendered brick, late Californian Bungalow house. It was built for Walter Aumann, one of the family of orchardists of that name.Major and minor gables face the street, with a hip-roofed verandah in the angle which is supported on pre-cast concrete, Tuscan columns over a solid balustrade. There are small areas of brick decoration. At the street boundary, there is a low brick fence contemporary with the house, and at the side is a high cypress hedge.
At the rear there is a large, intact, double¬ storey timber barn. The orchard has been subdivided.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) site nos. 194.25, 213.3, 213.6 and 213.12.
Of local significance as an intact building complex, comprising the house, garden and outbuildings, associated with part of the Aumann family of orchardists.
Barn, 245 Tindals Road, Warrandyte
Finger barn, Schramms Cottage Reserve, Victoria St, Doncaster East (193.19)
Henry Finger was one of the orchardists who pioneered the commercial production of stone and pome fruits in the district.
This is one of the largest barns known to remain from the orchard period, and may be the earliest remaining. Its significance is reduced by its relocation, however it is still an important building.
Of local historical significance as one of the largest and possibly the earliest of the remaining barns in the district and for its associations with Finger's orchards; relocation has reduced its significance.
''Friedensruh''11, 10 Waldau Court, Doncaster (193.14)
One of the earliest houses in the study area, it is an intact Picturesque Gothic house and was built for the pioneering orchardist J. G. Thiele (1).Thiele arrived in Australia from Germany in 1849 and at Doncaster in 1853. He had started orcharding by the late 1850s, with the same orchards being run by his descendants on the land surrounding "Friedensruh" up until 1966. The property has remained in the original family to the present time, except for a brief period of Council ownership.
The house was built over two periods. The earlier Gothic section is constructed of rendered masonry with a gable roof. On the right of this early section is a timber, Italianate, hip-roofed addition and a hip-roofed verandah in the angle.
The earlier section built c1853, has fretwork decorated bargeboards, a wrought iron finial, a round headed attic window, and at least one 12-pane double-hung sash window. There is also a chimney decorated with toothed brickwork.
The Italianate wing, dating from c1865 (at the time of the split in the Lutheran church), has a frieze with brackets and a cornice mould, tripartite windows and Tuscan timber verandah posts. A rear kitchen wing and cellar were added c1895 and c1898. Presumably the earlier house faced north and the later wing covered most of its front.
The garden is appropriately geometric with mature trees, including a large maple. Several of these trees have been identified as individually significant in this study (see Theme 1.05 "Landmark Trees").
The house has a cellar for storage of fruit (2). There is an early packing shed, a stable and a cow shed on the same property.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) Banyule, The Hawthorns, Ballam Park, Auburn House, Invergowrie gate lodge, Whitby House, Black Rock House, etc.
Of State significance as a fine early Picturesque Gothic pioneering homestead, one of perhaps only a dozen suburban houses of this date within a day's journey of Melbourne.
It is described in the listing citation in the Register of the National Estate as "the birthplace of the orchard industry of Doncaster"
(1) Historic Buildings register File 376; National Trust of Australia (Victoria) file.
(2) Doncaster Templestowe Historical Society Newsletter, November 1981; Paul Collyer, owner, pers. comm.
"Friedensruh" 10 Waldau Court, Doncaster
House, 286 Warrandyte Road, Warrandyte (174.26)
This house was built by Frank Adams c1919/20 for his marriage on land owned and farmed by the two brothers Frank and George Adams since 1911. The house is still occupied by Mrs Frank Adams (1).It is a double-fronted, gambrel-roofed late Edwardian building. The verandah, an extension of the roof form, has a decorative timber valance and turned posts.
The house still retains a small section of orchard.
Of local significance as one of a group of three houses associated with orcharding that remain in this section of Warrandyte Road.
(1) Bruce Bence, Frank and George Adams Warrandyte Orchardjsts.Warrandyte Historical Society, 1987
House, 298 Warrandyte Rd, Warrandyte (175.20)
This house was built by George Adams probably c1919 (after his marriage) on land owned and farmed by George and Frank Adams since 1911 (see also 286 Warrandyte Rd) (1).An Edwardian double-fronted, hip-roofed house, asymmetrical in form, with the left¬ hand side set forward as a gable. There is a timbered upper section and the verandah in the angle. The verandah, an extension of the roof form, has a decorative timber valance and turned posts.
At the rear is a stone section, built from stone quarried at Fourth Hi11 (2).
Of local significance as one of a group of three houses associated with orcharding that remain in this section of Warrandyte Road.
(1) Bruce Bence. Frank and George Adams Warrandyte Orchardjsts.
(2) Bruce Bence, pers comm.
House, 302 Warrandyte Road, Warrandyte (175.01)
This is a double-fronted gambrel-roofed, late Edwardian roughcast and timber house. The house was built by Bob Mahoney on his orchard property probably c1920-21.The house is asymmetrical with the right¬ hand bay set forward as a gable. The rafters are exposed and the upper gable is roughcast. The present colours are appropriate, probably resulting from recent renovation works.
Of local significance as one of a group of three houses associated with orcharding that remain in this section of Warrandyte Road.
House, 108 Whittens Lane, Doncaster (213.36)
A double-fronted symmetrical timber gable¬ roofed cottage with an external chimney. It has a major hip-roofed double-fronted addition at right, set forward and other alterations.It probably dates from c.1900-10 (although it may be earlier), having been lived in by John Tully, an orchardist; it was located on part of his property.
The major addition appears to be c1920s. Further renovations including replacement of windows are c1970s.
Architecturally, this building can be compared to (for example) 2 Russell Road, 29-31 Monckton Rd, 185 Park Rd etc.
Of local significance as a surviving orchard cottage associated with John Tully, now within the centre of Doncaster. Evidence of the early settlement and orchard patterns.
Orchard, 180 Williamsons Road, Doncaster (193.7)
This orchard, although remnant, is still actively farmed. There are two houses on this property, a timber, store shed at the end of Margot Court, and a house on Williamsons Road. The house at the south end of the property is a brick, two storey house with a timber upper storey.The house at 180 Williamsons Road is a 1940s, single-storey, double-fronted, timber house.
Of local interest.
House, 103 Woodhouse Road, Donvale (194.26)
A double-fronted symmetrical timber Italianate house with a verandah around three sides. It has window pairs and simple eaves brackets.It was built by George Knee on his orchard here in the late nineteenth century.
Of local interest as a typical simple timber Italianate house.
Other places associated with orcharding include:
House, 187 Porter Street, Templestowe (173.18)
This double-fronted, cream brick veneer house was previously associated with an orchard.
Other places associated with orcharding include:
Other places associated with orcharding include:
House, 187 Porter Street, Templestowe (173.18)
This double-fronted, cream brick veneer house was previously associated with an orchard.
Source: City of Doncaster and Templestowe Heritage Study (Context Pty Ltd, Peterson R & Stafford B, 1991) Published online with permission of Manningham Council (May2020)
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