Contract of sale dated 29th April, 1959 between Mr. L.C. Powell (seller) and Mrs. R.E. Steffan (buyer). Solicitor for vendor: Messrs. Tatchell, Dunlop, Smalley & Balmer, Williamson Street, Bendigo. Solicitor for purchaser: Messrs. Hyett, Willis & Hyett, Bull Street, Bendigo. For property at No. 8 Thomas Street, California Gully, Bendigo being lot 3 on plan of subdivision No. 17846 lodged in the office of titles being part of Crown allotment 563 section K land described in certificate of title volume 7150 folio 604, together with linos, blinds, curtains and electric light fittings and shades. Price 1,300 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 6th July 1932 between Bendigo Mutual Permanent Land and Building Society (seller) and J. Shade (buyer) for land situate Wood Street, California Gully, at present occupied by Mrs. Dumble as tenant, containing three roods thirty-five and two-tenths perches, having a frontage of 500 links to Wood Street by a depth of 193 links being Crown allotment 1 section P described in Crown grant volume 2129 folio 425693, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Also ''Lux'' wood fire stove, bath and venetian blinds. Price 340 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 11th January, 1938 between Mrs. E. Banninger (seller) and Mrs. M.M. Spicer (buyer) for land situate in Wood Street, Long Gully, being Crown allotment 1 section P described in Crown grant volume 2129 folio 425693, together with 5-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry, also bath, cement troughs and copper, wire doors, three venetian blinds, built in wardrobe, and vendor's interest in poultry pens built on land adjoining the above freehold, also all poultry and poultry farm equipment as per schedule on page 2. Price 550 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 3rd August, 1950 between E.N. Dean (seller) and Miss E.A. Packham (buyer) for land situate No. 1 Dillon Street, Long Gully being Crown allotment 497 section K described in certificate of title volume 3999 folio 799707, together with 3-roomed weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Price 1,650 pounds. Also attached letter dated 5th August, 1950 signed by Mr. Dean to Messrs. Williams, Watson & James solicitors advising them to pay Mr. H. Button of 28 Harrison Street, Bendigo the sum of 32 pounds from the proceeds of the sale of property.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract issued by George Pethard dated 15th April, 1924, between George Pethard acting on behalf of The Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows Bendigo District Widows and Orphans Fund as Mortgagees and Henry Archibald Wilkinson (buyer), land situate at no. 121 Mundy Street Bendigo at present occupied by Mr. Spencer as tenant. Crown allotment 10 of section 8c Parish of Sandhurst city and county of Bendigo described in certificate of title volume 2732 folio 546267 having a frontage of 125 links by a depth of 200 links. Together with six-roomed brick house and all sundry. Price 500 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Contract of sale of real estate dated 11th February, 1966 between Mr. A. H. Bennett (vendor) and Mr. N. B. & Mrs. J. Scott. Solicitor for vendor: Messrs. Watson, James & Rogers, Bull Street, Bendigo. Solicitor for purchaser: Messrs. Watson, James & Rogers, Bull Street, Bendigo. Property 12 Bray Street, Bendigo being part of allotment 495, section K land described in Crown grant volume 7647, folio 097 together with all floor coverings, inside and outside blinds, including new holland blinds for lounge and front bedroom, curtains and electric light fittings and shades. Price 3,400 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Contract of sale of real estate dated 18th December, 1963 between Mr G. A. & Mrs. N M. Wells (vendor) and Mr. H. G. & Mrs. M. E. Stephenson (purchaser). Property: 82 Hargreaves Street, corner Arnold Street, Bendigo, being lot 2 on plan of subdivision No. 28382 lodged in the office of titles, being part of Crown allotment 15 section 92C land described in certificate of title volume 4335 folio 826 together with floor coverings, blinds, curtains, electric light fittings and shades, gas stove in kitchen and gas fire heater in lounge room. Price: 3,250 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Contract of sale of land dated 4th August, 1951 between Mr. R. J. Eddy (vendor) and Mrs. E. R. Tieman (purchaser). Property: land being part of Crown allotment 18 section 54C Parish of Sandhurst City of Bendigo, land comprised in certificate of title volume 7150 folio 1429983 and situate No. 30 Gratten Street, Bendigo, together with 5 roomed weatherboard dwelling, all sundry outbuildings, also all linen roller blinds, all linos on floors, gas bath-heather, gas copper, electric sink heather and all wire doors and windows screens. Price: 2,425 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 10th January, 1948 between Mrs. E. L. Gunn (vendor) and Mr. K. C. Turner (purchaser). Property: land situate No. 90 Ophir Street corner Rowan street, Bendigo, at present occupied by Mr. Sharp as tenant, being allotment 20 section 22S Parish of Sandhurst City of Bendigo land described in right to occupy residence area No. 4873, together with 6 roomed weatherboard dwelling, all sundry outbuildings on said land, except any of such outbuildings belonging to the tenant. Price: 450 pounds. Attached 3 hand written notes and 1 typed detailing repairs done to the property.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Legal document. On front: Dated 17th December 1855. Ac1 R1 P 1. ( acres, roods, perches ) Grant by purchase to William Roberts. In pencil Allot 7 of Sec 12. Inside: 'Victoria - Township Lot. Grantee W. Roberts. Document details purchase of land by above William Roberts of Heathcote, for the sum of two pounds, 12 shillings. Allotment 7, section 12, Township of Heathcote. Land sold as Lot 14. Dated 30 July 1855. Signed by C.W. Hotham ( Sir Charles Hotham ) Property is now 42 Beauchamp Street, Heathcote ( Landata research, 28.3.2017, https://www.landata.vic.gov.au/tpc_confirm_map.aspx?pfi=45257085 )heathcote, land sale, william roberts

Pru Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.The Kew Historical Society collection includes almost 100 subdivision plans pertaining to suburbs of the City of Melbourne. Most of these are of Kew, Kew East or Studley Park, although a smaller number are plans of Camberwell, Deepdene, Balwyn and Hawthorn. It is believed that the majority of the plans were gifted to the Society by persons connected with the real estate firm - J. R. Mathers and McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, Kew. The Plans in the collection are rarely in pristine form, being working plans on which the agent would write notes and record lots sold and the prices of these. The subdivision plans are historically significant examples of the growth of urban Melbourne from the beginning of the 20th Century up until the 1980s. A number of the plans are double-sided and often include a photograph on the reverse. A number of the latter are by noted photographers such as J.E. Barnes.In November 1917, the Ermington Estate was advertised as an ‘Executor’s Sale’. It included the 10-roomed villa residence, ‘Ermington’, home of the late Mrs. Lorimer, and 10 ‘magnificent allotments’. The plan in the Kew Historical Society Collection is a little more specific. Ermington is described as having 9 Rooms &c. and there are 11 lots shown on the west side of Hillcrest Avenue. In the plan, the latter is named as ‘Hill Crest Avenue’. The plan indicates that the subdivision was based on the surveying work of Johnson & Tait. Opposite Ermington, the existing house ‘Parkhill’ is identified. A faded stamp on two parts of the plan indicates that it was in the possession of Jas. [R.] Mathers, Financial Agent, [136] Cotham Road, Kew.subdivision plans - kew, ermington heights estate - kew heights

Pru Sanderson, in her groundbreaking ‘City of Kew Urban Conservation Study : Volume 2 - Development History’ (1988), summarised the periods of urban development and subdivisions of land in Kew. The periods that she identified included 1845-1880, 1880-1893, 1893-1921, 1921-1933, 1933-1943, and Post-War Development. These periods were selected as they represented periods of rapid growth or decline in urban development. An obvious starting point for Sanderson’s groupings involved population growth and the associated economic cycles. These cycles also highlighted urban expansion onto land that was predominantly rural, although in other cases it represented the decline and breakup of large estates. A number of the plans in the Kew Historical Society’s collection can also be found in other collections, such as those of the State Library of Victoria and the Boroondara Library Service. A number are however unique to the collection.The Kew Historical Society collection includes almost 100 subdivision plans pertaining to suburbs of the City of Melbourne. Most of these are of Kew, Kew East or Studley Park, although a smaller number are plans of Camberwell, Deepdene, Balwyn and Hawthorn. It is believed that the majority of the plans were gifted to the Society by persons connected with the real estate firm - J. R. Mathers and McMillan, 136 Cotham Road, Kew. The Plans in the collection are rarely in pristine form, being working plans on which the agent would write notes and record lots sold and the prices of these. The subdivision plans are historically significant examples of the growth of urban Melbourne from the beginning of the 20th Century up until the 1980s. A number of the plans are double-sided and often include a photograph on the reverse. A number of the latter are by noted photographers such as J.E. Barnes.The East Kew Tramway Estate was a subdivision of two separate parcels of land between Adeney Avenue and Normanby Road. The larger section included 54 lots facing Adeney Avenue, Argyle Road, and Campbell, Hunter and Wishart Streets. [Hunter and Wishart Streets were created as part of the subdivision.] A further 17 allotments faced Normanby Road, Hubert and Campbell Streets. [The name of Hubert Street was later to be changed to Cecil Street.] The promotion of the sale referred to the advantages of living between two tram routes, in High Street and Cotham Road. On the plan, quaintly drawn trams mark these routes. Also on the plan is the route of part of the Outer Circle [Railway] Line.east kew tramway estate, subdivision plans - east kew

This plan was for the sale of parcels of land from the Lerderderg Park Estate property in 1911. Advertising for the sale appeared in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper through July of 1911. The property was situated only a few kilometers from the township of Bacchus Marsh. The agents for the sale were L. A. Fairbairn & Co.Lerderderg Park Estate was a significant and early colonial property in the Bacchus Marsh area. This plan provides details about the first time the property was subdivided for sale. It is therefore documents an important moment in the history of this property and the broader trend of the subdivision of older and larger properties in the district.A single page paper plan showing allotments of land for sale from the Lerderderg Park property owned by John Wills. The parcels of land for sale are coloured in red.The Lerderderg River and Pyke's Creek Irigation Channel shown on the plan are in blue ink. The rest of the plan is a dark cream or beige colur with the text in black ink. The plan has been extensively annotated with hand-written notes indicating the names of people who purchased the various parcels of lands and the prices paid for those lands. Part of the top of the plan containing some text appears to be missing. The plan is pasted into a bound volume containing 76 maps or plans in total. Top: Have received instructions to Sell, account Mr John Wills, his renowned LERDERDERG PARK LANDS, so well and favourably known throughout the Commonwealth. In areas from 3 acres to 1276 acres. Every lot is either rich lucerne land (or portion now under lucerne) with some higher land adjoining Railway Station, and 2 Milk factories within 2 miles, absolutely the finest land in Victoria. Bottom: THIS IS THE FIRST SUBDIVISIONAL SALE of Rich Flats in Bacchus Marsh since the Pyke's Creek Scheme, and every lot is commanded by it. Only 32 miles from Melbourne.bacchus marsh victoria maps, land sales, lerderderg park estate, land subdivision

Document: buff leather hard covered journal. On spine on red rectangle ' Land sales by public auction' written in gold. On bottom of spine 'Lands and Survey' written in gold on black. On base of spine '4' printed in black. Pages contain details of sales of crown lands by public auction Act 25, Victoria 145. Alphabetical index of counties inside front cover. 443 numbered pages. LH side columns, number, county, parish, section, allotment sold, unsold, price. RH page - improvements, purchaser, residence, amount, later sales have printed notices pasted in. Dated 27 April 1864 to 7 October 1892.Lands and Survey Dept.place, bendigo, sandhurst, crown land, public land auctions, land sales.

Large residence on large elevated block for Frederick Christian Lange (1832-1888) and family in 1870. The architect Lloyd Tayler (1830-1900) designed it in an Italianate style. Over time adjoining allotments were purchased until the gardens covered nearly 15 acres. Lange was in partnership with Emil Thoneman trading under the name of Lange & Thoneman, merchants and general importers. Lange was also one of the local directors of the local Australasian directors for the Swiss Lloyd Marine Insurance Company. William Officer (1835-1913), pastoralist, bought the property from Lange in 1888 for 23,500 pounds. Following Officer's death the grounds were subdivided in 1914 and the house finally demolished in 1940. Noting the spelling difference, there is now a street named 'Hertford Street' very close to this location. black and white photograph copyAlma Road south west corner Lansdowne Road built for Federick C Lange (Merchant) Photo 1872

Situated walking distance from the city centre just off View Street is this superbly restored Victorian Residence displaying ornate treatment & style given to the house in 1880 by Bendigos famous architect William C. Vahland. Set amongst a private garden on a corner allotment of approx. 827m2, the residence includes entrance hall, ornate formal Lounge Room, spacious renovated kitchen and family room, 4 Bedrooms plus a music room or office, Bathroom plus provision for 2nd bathroom or ensuite off the main Bedroom. Large laundry, 2 toilets, downstairs includes large workshop, cellar and storage. Superb front & rear verandahs and private paved rear garden with double carport. The home is in excellent condition with loads of taste, style quality and charm. No 10 Valentine Street Bendigo - Slidehistory, bendigo, national trust collection bendigo, 10 valentine street

George Rimington established The Parkhill Nursery in 1877. By 1910, it was more commonly known as Rimington’s Nurseries and well known for its sale of violets. After World War II, Rimington’s Nurseries were gradually subdivided and sold. The 38 allotments were released in sections, including lots 34 to 36 on the corner of Mont Victor Road and Victor Avenue. Previous lots in the subdivision had bordered Burke Road, Rimington Avenue, Heather Grove, and Stoke Avenue. The selling point as it had been in comparable estates for a century were the proximity to transport, schools and churches, as well as the high location and excellent views. The subdivision plan shows most of the lots in the entire subdivision: 1-11, 13-26, and 34-38. Presumably, lot 12 and lots 27-33 were still to be released.Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence of the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold on which a built structure was subsequently constructed as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents. The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.Subdivision plan advertising five superb home sites among lots in Burke Road, Stoke Avenue, Victor Avenue, Mont Victor Road and Heather Grove.subdivision plans - kew, rimington avenue -- kew (vic.), heather grove -- kew (vic), stoke avenue -- kew (vic.), burke road -- kew (vic.), mont victor road -- kew (vic.)

George Tibbits, University of Melbourne. Faculty of Architecture, Building and Town & Regional PlanningIndex system that support the research for Beechworth : historical reconstruction / [by] George Tibbits ... [et al]Arranged by street names of BeechworthEach index card includes: street name and number of property, image of property, allotment and section number, property owners and dates of ownership, description of the property according to rate records, property floor plan with dimensions.beechworth, george tibbitsbeechworth, george tibbits

The Gordons were architects and were associated with many buildings still standing in Albury and Wodonga, St Patrick's Church and the de Kerilleau Homestead among them. They established Vermont Orchard on 74 acres to the south of the Wodonga settlement. Here they grew fruit and nuts for the domestic and export market. The enterprising family also set about transforming some of the land by clearing it, creating streets and making general improvements. It was the biggest subdivision in Wodonga at the time. The 234 allotments in the Wodonga Estate were put up for sale by auction in May 1890. A total of 200 people were said to have attended. Gordon, William, Charles and Vermont streets in Wodonga are named after the family. This bell was used at the Vermont orchard to signal the beginning and end of the working day, as well as lunch breaks.The Gordon Family orchard bell is made of cast iron. It includes the inscription "J. C. W../G./1858." This is thought to represent the initials of John Gordon and sons Walter Joseph and Charles Goodwin Sylvester Gordon. There is some conjecture about this due to the date "1858". John was born in London, England in 1823 and died in 1880. Walter is generally accepted to have been born in 1857 and died 1903. In one family tree Charles is recorded as being born on 28 January 1858 but his birth was registered in 1860. The mystery of the date is therefore not fully resolved.On one side of the bell "J. C. W../G./1858."gordon family wodonga, gordon and gordon architects, vermont wodonga

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. HISTORY:-- From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Labassa https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) Labassa, Caulfield is one of Melbourne's most lavishly decorated nineteenth century mansions. It resulted from the extensive remodelling in 1890, of an earlier house, known as Sylliott Hill, which was begun in 1862-3 for lawyer, Richard A. Billing. The land at the corner of Balaclava and Orrong Roads was first acquired in 1854 by William Lyall, transferred to his partner, John Mickle, in 1859, who also acquired the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road, and the three allotments were conveyed to Billing. His first eight-roomed house was extended significantly in 1873 into a twenty-roomed house by architects Crouch and Wilson, who were possibly also responsible for the first house. This reflected Billing's success as a barrister, and he resided at this property until his death in 1882. In 1883 prominent Melbourne businessman, Alexander William Robertson, leased the Sylliott Hill property from Billing's widow, and in 1885 he purchased the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road. He purchased the Billing's property in 1887 and renamed the 6.31 hectare property, Ontario. In 1889-90, Robertson commissioned the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to extensively remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The existing house was extended and altered, largely resulting in the nineteenth century mansion as it now appears. After Robertson's death in 1896, the house was tenanted until it was eventually sold to the mining millionaire, John Boyd Watson, in 1904. He renamed the property Labassa and carried out repair and re-decoration work to the house. In the early twentieth century, many large estates were subdivided into smaller allotments as the demand for land grew and it became difficult to maintain such large estates. After Watson's death in 1911, portions of the Labassa estate were offered for sale, with Mrs Watson retaining a 1.73 hectare portion containing the house. In 1913 forty-six allotments were auctioned at Labassa Estate, with the formation of Labassa Grove and Ontario Street to the east of the property. Labassa was first recorded as containing flats in 1923 and in the late 1920s, the owner, Robert Hannon, built a red brick block of flats adjacent to the house. Subdivision continued, until the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the house in 1980 and subsequently purchased adjoining sites, one to the south-east in 1984 (house demolished in 1988) and to the west in 1988. Labassa as it now stands is substantially as it appeared when Koch completed the work in 1890. The original two storey house was transformed into a French Renaissance style mansion, with the addition of a two level L-shaped arcaded verandah and two prominent terminating bays to the south and the east. The building is of unpainted cement render with dressed bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet and steep, slate covered, flat topped mansard roofs behind. A truncated conical roof is a feature of the south bay and a helmeted head is incorporated in the parapet over the east bay. The main south and east facades incorporate many cast cement details, including sculptures, elaborate cornices, swagged Corinthian columns and caryatid consoles flanking the entrance porch, as well as pink marble panels and imitation marble, or scagliola, on curved surfaces. At the rear of the building is a two storey wing and a single storey cottage, the former being connected to the main house by a tower. This section of the house was constructed in 1873. The estate at its peak included stables (1873), conservatory (probably 1890) and a tennis pavilion (probably 1890). All of these outbuildings survive, with the stables and conservatory being converted for residential use after 1922. Internally a range of decorative treatments remain from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, both from the Robertson and Watson periods of occupancy. These include wallpapers, ceiling decoration, chimney pieces, mouldings, joinery and decorative glass. From Victorian Heritage Database citation for H0135 Labassa 2/2A Manor Grove Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural significance as the most prominent example of a small number of houses built in Australia in the French Renaissance style. It is of further note due to the German interpretation of the style and the use of Hellenistic sources, via Germany. It is exceptional for its lavish treatment externally, including marble, scagliola, caryatids, swagged columns, mansard roofs and ornamental cresting. Labassa is of architectural significance as the most important surviving example of German architect, John Koch's domestic work. He undertook a large variety of work in Melbourne, including a number of houses, however Labassa is the most lavish example of his work. Labassa is of aesthetic significance for its outstanding assemblage of late nineteenth and early twentieth century European style interior decoration, which remain remarkably intact. These include a trompe l'oeil ceiling, painted ceilings, embossed imitation leather and other papers, chimney pieces, ceramic tilework, oak parquetry and stained glass, including a tripartite window by Ferguson and Urie, probably dating from the 1873 period. Labassa is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the wealth acquired by a number of prominent Victorian families in the second half of the 19th century. The early development of the property, Sylliott Hill, was due to the wealth acquired by Richard Billing, barrister and fifth Victorian to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1878. The significant development in 1890 of Ontario, is illustrative of the wealth of Alexander Robertson, a partner in Cobb and Co., a director of Goldsborough Mort & Co., and a pastoral speculator. John B. Watson, whose father had acquired great wealth from the goldfields of Bendigo and subsequently invested in city and country properties, was the third resident to impact on the house, particularly the interiors. The Labassa estate is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the development that occurred in such suburbs as Caulfield in the 1880s due to the land boom, its proximity to Melbourne and the establishment of the Melbourne to Gippsland railway in 1879. It is also illustrative of an estate which succumbed to the pressures of subdividing in the early twentieth century, as properties became difficult to maintain and demand for land close to the city grew. It was typically divided into flats in the 1920s and was used as such for about sixty years. It is of historical significance for its associations with the remnants of the earlier estate which remain extant. These include the stables, conservatory (H2005) and tennis pavilion which all remain on separate sites. Also significant are the remains of early electrical wiring and fittings. Labassa was one of the first houses in Caulfield to be electrified and some of the original wires remain. [Online Data Upgrade Project 2004]Page 128 of Photograph Album with four photographs (two portrait and two landscape) of Labassa.Handwritten: "Labassa" 4 Manor Grove [top right] / Neg 232 8 Oct 1966 [under bottom right photo] / 128 [bottom right]trevor hart, bracketed eaves, slate roof, bay windows, decorative brackets, caulfield north, labassa, richard a. billing, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, william lyall, crouch and wilson, alexander william robertson, ontario, 1880's, john a. b. koch, mansion, john boyd watson, labassa grove, french renaissance style, l-shaped arcaded verandah, bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet, flat topped mansard roofs, conical roof, elaborate cornices, corinthian columns, caryatid consoles, marble panels, imitation marble, scagliola, tower, conservatory, stables, tennis pavilion, mouldings, decorative glass, caryatids, swagged columns, ornamental cresting, trompe l'oeil ceiling, embossed imitation leather, oak parquetry, stained glass, tripartite window, triple window, ferguson and urie, 1870's, flats, 1920's, electric wiring, 1860's, verandahs, curved windows, arched windows, italianate, terraces, gargoyles, ornamentation, ornate entrance, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, victorian, cast iron work, john koch, richard billing, architects, electrification, john mickle, land subdivision, mrs watson, labassa estate, robert hannon, national trust of australia (victoria), sculpture

This photograph is part of the Caulfield Historical Album 1972. This album was created in approximately 1972 as part of a project by the Caulfield Historical Society to assist in identifying buildings worthy of preservation. The album is related to a Survey the Caulfield Historical Society developed in collaboration with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and Caulfield City Council to identify historic buildings within the City of Caulfield that warranted the protection of a National Trust Classification. Principal photographer thought to be Trevor Hart, member of Caulfield Historical Society. Most photographs were taken between 1966-1972 with a small number of photographs being older and from unknown sources. All photographs are black and white except where stated, with 386 photographs over 198 pages. HISTORY:-- From Victorian Heritage Database citation for Labassa https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) Labassa, Caulfield is one of Melbourne's most lavishly decorated nineteenth century mansions. It resulted from the extensive remodelling in 1890, of an earlier house, known as Sylliott Hill, which was begun in 1862-3 for lawyer, Richard A. Billing. The land at the corner of Balaclava and Orrong Roads was first acquired in 1854 by William Lyall, transferred to his partner, John Mickle, in 1859, who also acquired the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road, and the three allotments were conveyed to Billing. His first eight-roomed house was extended significantly in 1873 into a twenty-roomed house by architects Crouch and Wilson, who were possibly also responsible for the first house. This reflected Billing's success as a barrister, and he resided at this property until his death in 1882. In 1883 prominent Melbourne businessman, Alexander William Robertson, leased the Sylliott Hill property from Billing's widow, and in 1885 he purchased the adjoining allotment in Balaclava Road. He purchased the Billing's property in 1887 and renamed the 6.31 hectare property, Ontario. In 1889-90, Robertson commissioned the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to extensively remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The existing house was extended and altered, largely resulting in the nineteenth century mansion as it now appears. After Robertson's death in 1896, the house was tenanted until it was eventually sold to the mining millionaire, John Boyd Watson, in 1904. He renamed the property Labassa and carried out repair and re-decoration work to the house. In the early twentieth century, many large estates were subdivided into smaller allotments as the demand for land grew and it became difficult to maintain such large estates. After Watson's death in 1911, portions of the Labassa estate were offered for sale, with Mrs Watson retaining a 1.73 hectare portion containing the house. In 1913 forty-six allotments were auctioned at Labassa Estate, with the formation of Labassa Grove and Ontario Street to the east of the property. Labassa was first recorded as containing flats in 1923 and in the late 1920s, the owner, Robert Hannon, built a red brick block of flats adjacent to the house. Subdivision continued, until the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) purchased the house in 1980 and subsequently purchased adjoining sites, one to the south-east in 1984 (house demolished in 1988) and to the west in 1988. Labassa as it now stands is substantially as it appeared when Koch completed the work in 1890. The original two storey house was transformed into a French Renaissance style mansion, with the addition of a two level L-shaped arcaded verandah and two prominent terminating bays to the south and the east. The building is of unpainted cement render with dressed bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet and steep, slate covered, flat topped mansard roofs behind. A truncated conical roof is a feature of the south bay and a helmeted head is incorporated in the parapet over the east bay. The main south and east facades incorporate many cast cement details, including sculptures, elaborate cornices, swagged Corinthian columns and caryatid consoles flanking the entrance porch, as well as pink marble panels and imitation marble, or scagliola, on curved surfaces. At the rear of the building is a two storey wing and a single storey cottage, the former being connected to the main house by a tower. This section of the house was constructed in 1873. The estate at its peak included stables (1873), conservatory (probably 1890) and a tennis pavilion (probably 1890). All of these outbuildings survive, with the stables and conservatory being converted for residential use after 1922. Internally a range of decorative treatments remain from the late nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, both from the Robertson and Watson periods of occupancy. These include wallpapers, ceiling decoration, chimney pieces, mouldings, joinery and decorative glass.From Victorian Heritage Database citation for H0135 Labassa 2/2A Manor Grove Caulfield North https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/278 as at (26/10/2020) HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the State of Victoria. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? Labassa, Caulfield is of architectural significance as the most prominent example of a small number of houses built in Australia in the French Renaissance style. It is of further note due to the German interpretation of the style and the use of Hellenistic sources, via Germany. It is exceptional for its lavish treatment externally, including marble, scagliola, caryatids, swagged columns, mansard roofs and ornamental cresting. Labassa is of architectural significance as the most important surviving example of German architect, John Koch's domestic work. He undertook a large variety of work in Melbourne, including a number of houses, however Labassa is the most lavish example of his work. Labassa is of aesthetic significance for its outstanding assemblage of late nineteenth and early twentieth century European style interior decoration, which remain remarkably intact. These include a trompe l'oeil ceiling, painted ceilings, embossed imitation leather and other papers, chimney pieces, ceramic tilework, oak parquetry and stained glass, including a tripartite window by Ferguson and Urie, probably dating from the 1873 period. Labassa is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the wealth acquired by a number of prominent Victorian families in the second half of the 19th century. The early development of the property, Sylliott Hill, was due to the wealth acquired by Richard Billing, barrister and fifth Victorian to be appointed Queen's Counsel in 1878. The significant development in 1890 of Ontario, is illustrative of the wealth of Alexander Robertson, a partner in Cobb and Co., a director of Goldsborough Mort & Co., and a pastoral speculator. John B. Watson, whose father had acquired great wealth from the goldfields of Bendigo and subsequently invested in city and country properties, was the third resident to impact on the house, particularly the interiors. The Labassa estate is of historical significance as an illustrative example of the development that occurred in such suburbs as Caulfield in the 1880s due to the land boom, its proximity to Melbourne and the establishment of the Melbourne to Gippsland railway in 1879. It is also illustrative of an estate which succumbed to the pressures of subdividing in the early twentieth century, as properties became difficult to maintain and demand for land close to the city grew. It was typically divided into flats in the 1920s and was used as such for about sixty years. It is of historical significance for its associations with the remnants of the earlier estate which remain extant. These include the stables, conservatory (H2005) and tennis pavilion which all remain on separate sites. Also significant are the remains of early electrical wiring and fittings. Labassa was one of the first houses in Caulfield to be electrified and some of the original wires remain. [Online Data Upgrade Project 2004]Page 129 of Photograph Album with three landscape photographs of Labassa. One of the photographs is of Labassa's drive and gates.Handwritten: 4 JUNE 1910 / SALE JUNE 28 1910 "LA BASSA' / "AUSTRALASIAN" FORMERLY "ONTARIO"/ RES OF JOHN B WATSON / 15 ACRES 3 ROADS [under bottom left photo] / 4 JUNE 1910 [under bottom right photo] / 129 [bottom left]trevor hart, bracketed eaves, intricate lacework, slate roof, bay windows, decorative brackets, caulfield north, labassa, richard a. billing, balaclava road, orrong road, sylliott hill, william lyall, crouch and wilson, alexander william robertson, ontario, 1880's, john a. b. koch, mansion, john boyd watson, labassa grove, french renaissance style, l-shaped arcaded verandah, bluestone plinths, balustraded parapet, flat topped mansard roofs, conical roof, elaborate cornices, corinthian columns, caryatid consoles, marble panels, imitation marble, scagliola, tower, conservatory, stables, tennis pavilion, mouldings, decorative glass, caryatids, swagged columns, ornamental cresting, trompe l'oeil ceiling, embossed imitation leather, oak parquetry, stained glass, tripartite window, triple window, ferguson and urie, 1870's, flats, 1920's, electric wiring, 1860's, verandahs, curved windows, arched windows, italianate, terraces, gargoyles, ornamentation, ornate entrance, la bassa, manor grove, st kilda east, gates, cast iron work, richard billing, architects, john koch, electrification, victorian style, drives, john mickle, land subdivision, mrs watson, labassa estate, robert hannon, national trust of australia (victoria), sculpture

Contract of sale of real estate dated 21st July, 1965 between Sandhurst and Northern district Trustees Executors and Agency Company Limited of View Street, Bendigo as executors of the estate of Evelyn Julie Bidwell deceased (seller) and Mr. L.B. Smith & Mr. A. Heraud (buyers). Solicitor for vendor: Schleiger & Smalley, Bendigo. Solicitor for purchaser: E.S. Cahill & Son, View Street, Bendigo. Property at No.261 McCrae Street, Bendigo being part of Crown allotment 6 section 92C being land described in certificate of title volume 4507 folio 334, together with all floor coverings, blinds, curtains and electric light fittings and shades. Price 1,300 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Contract of sale dated 15th April, 1959 between Mr. F. Kupke (seller) and Mr. P. 7 Mrs. F.E. Stevens (buyers). Solicitor for vendor: Hyett, Willis & Hyett, Bull Street, Bendigo. Solicitor for purchaser: E.S. Cahill & Son, View Street, Bendigo. Property in Sparrow Hawk Road, St. Just Point being allotments 65 and 66 section L containing 15 acres, 17 perches and being land described in Crown grant volume 7615 folio 125, together with all buildings and erections thereon, also stainless steel sink and cupboards. Also State Rivers and Water Supply Authority to irrigate for 3 acres. Price 1,000 pounds.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Contract of sale of land dated 10th February, 1956 between Mr. T.J.K. Gilbert (seller) and Mr. L.F. Rule (buyer) for land being allotment 14p section L, containing 19 acres 3 roods and being land described in certificate of title volume 6375 folio 936 and situate Marong Road, Bendigo. Together with all buildings thereon, also piping and loose galvanized iron on ground, with State Rivers and Water Supply Authority to irrigate 1 acre land. Price 650 pounds. Also attached a letter in two copies signed by Mr. Rule agreeing to the purchase, the letter is dated 7th February, 1956 and is on H.A & S.R. Wilkinson letterhead.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Contract of sale of land dated 17th April, 1956 between Mr. F.L. & Mrs. M. Hopley (sellers) and Mr. A. & Mrs. V.E. Runting (buyer) for land being Crown allotment 2 section 60C having a frontage of 100 links to Mitchell Street by a depth of 250 links described in certificate of title volume 835 folio 996 and situate No.68 Mitchell Street, Bendigo, together with weatherboard dwelling and all sundry. Also all floor coverings, inside and outside blinds, curtains, electric light fittings and shades. Price 4,750 pounds. Also attached letter from Curnows (Bendigo) to Mr. A. Runting dated 23rd May, 1956 policy of insurance renewal.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

Conditions of sale by private contract dated 21st. October, 1935 between J. Mahon (seller) and H. Taylor (buyer) for land situate Hodgkinson Street, Bendigo having a frontage of approx. 52 feet by a depth of approx. 108 feet, being parts of lots 6 and 7 on plan of subdivision registered No.13862 part of Crown allotments 6 and 7 section 38C land described in Crown grant volume 1502 folio 300225 and Crown grant volume 2642 folio 528242. Price 50 pounds. Attached receipt and plans to build house on that land (W. H. Ellis builder) for 500 pounds also attached detailed list of materials and labour.organization, business, h.a. & s.r wilkinson real estate

COLLECTION OF RIGHT TO OCCUPY A RESIDENCE AREA -LAND (RESIDENCE AREAS ) Act 1935 / thick cardboard book -cloth and string binding / written on front in texter '1936' / numbers 201 to 300 / inside - stubs of documents showing Granted to, of, period, Date of Right , Description of Land, Allotment, Section, City, Town, Borough, Township of , Parish of , Authorised Person. Rubber stamps show The interest of this Right has been transferred to/ note on Bendigo Historical Society Catalogue Sheet dated 12.6.2008 All buts completed and original application forms removed. Note -forms were originally in triplicate on one page with serrations for removal of two parts; butts remain. Residence areas in Central Goldfields.Bendigo City Council - Acquisition 1990organization, government, bendigo land office, right to occupy a residence area -land (residence areas ) act 1935

COLLECTION OF RIGHT TO OCCUPY A RESIDENCE AREA -LAND (RESIDENCE AREAS ) Act 1935 / thick cardboard book -cloth and string binding / written on front in texter '1936' / numbers 101 to 200 / inside - stubs of documents showing Granted to , of, period, Date of Right , Description of Land , Allotment, Section, City, Town, Borough, Township of, Parish of, Authorised Person . Rubber stamps show The interest of this Right has been transferred to / note on Bendigo Historical Society Catalogue Sheet dated 12.6.2008 All buts completed and original application forms removed. Note -forms were originally in triplicate on one page with serrations for removal of two parts; butts remain .Residence areas in Central Goldfields.Bendigo City Council - Acquisition 1990organization, government, bendigo land office, right to occupy a residence area -land (residence areas ) act 1935

COLLECTION OF RIGHT TO OCCUPY A RESIDENCE AREA -LAND (RESIDENCE AREAS ) Act 1935 / thick cardboard book -cloth and string binding / written on front in texter '1936' / numbers 001 to 100 / inside - stubs of documents showing Granted to , of, period, Date of Right , Description of Land , Allotment, Section, City, Town, Borough, Township, of , Parish of , Authorised Person . Rubber stamps show The interest of this Right has been transferred to/ note on Bendigo Historical Society Catalogue Sheet dated 12.6.2008 All butts completed and original application forms removed. Note -forms were originally in triplicate on one page with serrations for removal of two parts; butts remain . Residence areas in Central Goldfields.Bendigo City Council - Acquisition 1990organization, government, bendigo land office, right to occupy a residence area -land (residence areas ) act 1935

COLLECTION OF RIGHT TO OCCUPY A RESIDENCE AREA -LAND (RESIDENCE AREAS ) Act 1935 / thick cardboard book -cloth and string binding / written on front in texter '1936' / numbers 5301 to 5400 / inside - stubs of documents showing Granted to , of, period, Date of Right , Description of Land , Allotment, Section, City, Town, Borough , Township of , Parish of , Authorised Person . Rubber stamps show The interest of this Right has been transferred to / note on Bendigo Historical Society Catalogue Sheet dated 12.6.2008 All butts completed and original application forms removed. Note -forms were originally in triplicate on one page with serrations for removal of two parts; butts remain .Residence areas in Central Goldfields.Bendigo City Council - Acquisition 1990organization, government, bendigo land office, right to occupy a residence area -land (residence areas ) act 1935