Historical information

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.

Significance

These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.

Physical description

A prepossessing, large home constructed in the Arts and Crafts style. Located on the banks of the Yarra at 2 Young Street, Kew overlooking the factories of Richmond, the design of the house takes account of the gradient with the addition of a level below the front entrance. The elegant roof includes a number of projecting gables and dormers. The gables are typically half-timbered and rendered. In addition to the asymmetrically placed portico, there are at least two open verandas, supported by timber pillars and with roofs that reflect the overall pitch of the roof of the house