House - 'Burnside', 43-47 Kell Road cnr Reservoir Road, ST ARNAUD

The house, 43-47 Kell Road Cnr Reservoir Road, is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. It demonstrates original design qualities of a Victorian style. These qualities include the hipped roof form that traverses the site, together with the encircling concave verandah. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the symmetrical composition, single storey height, unusual mud brick wall construction, galvanised corrugated steel roof cladding, two dichromatic brick chimneys with corbelled tops, narrow eaves with paired decorative timber brackets, timber verandah posts, decorative cast iron verandah brackets and valances, light coloured wall finish to the main facade, quoining about the building corners and openings, timber framed double hung windows, and the main central timber framed entrance. The landscaped setting, including the palms and mature trees and plantings, also contribute to the significance of the place.

The house, 43-47 Kell Road Cnr Reservoir Road, is historically significant at a LOCAL level. It is associated with James Gibson Farquhar, first Shire Engineer, and his wife Agnes, President of the local Ladies Benevolent Society. The Farquhars appear to have been the original owners of the house initially known as "Burnside" that was constructed in c.1883. After the death of Agnes in 1894, James Farquhar appears to have relinquished ownership of "Burnside" in 1896. The property was subsequently occupied by Alfred Burnand Blakely, Farquhar's successor as Shire Engineer.

The house, 43-47 Kell Road Cnr Reservoir Road, is scientifically significant at a LOCAL level. The mud brick wall construction illustrates of building technique that while not uncommon, was unusual for the construction of a sizeable rural residence.

Overall, the house, 43-47 Kell Road Cnr Reservoir Road, St. Arnaud, is of LOCAL significance.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House