Historical information

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.

The mansion has been the site of Shelford Church of England Girls’ Grammar School - now Shelford Girls’ Grammar School - since circa 1922.

Significance

From Victorian Heritage Database citation for HO115: "Helenslea" 3 Hood Crescent, Caulfield North
https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/35212 as at 21/10/2020
''Helenslea'' was built for Sir George Stephen, MLA, barrister and mining investor by 1863. It was built with an address to Glen Eira Road with the driveway gates close by the present Helenslea Road corner. The present address is no. 3 Hood Crescent, Caulfield North. It is historically, aesthetically and socially significant.

It is historically significant (Criterion A) as the home of Sir George Stephen, MLA for Collingwood, barrister and mining investor and for its capacity to demonstrate Caulfield's early attraction as a residential retreat for Melbourne's eminent citizens. It is aesthetically significant (Criterion E) as a villa residence characteristic of the mid Victorian period, predating the use of cast iron and comparing in this respect with Charles Webb's "Farleigh" (1865) at 6 Farleigh Grove, Brighton. Its substantial nature causes it to be the earliest surviving mansion house in the Municipality. The porch, external austerity and opulent entrance hall and staircase are important contributory elements whilst the survival of the exterior surfaces predominantly in an unpainted state enhances its level of integrity. It is socially significant (Criterion G) for its association with Shelford C.E.G.G.S. since 1922.

Physical description

Page 86 of Photograph Album with three photographs (two portrait and one landscape ) of different views of Helenslea. One is a photo of a photograph.

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten: "Helenslea" now C.E.G.G.S Hood Cres [top right] / third photo is of a photograph titled "Shelford" / 86 [bottom right]

References