Urangeline (former Edzell, Mildura)

'Urangeline', originally known as 'Edzell' and later as 'Mildura', at 349 Barkers Road, Kew, is significant to the extent of its original fabric. The house was designed in 1883 by architectural practice Reed, Henderson & Smart for Scottish-born solicitor James C Stewart, and erected in 1884. The house was later owned by grazier Alexander McEdward, who renamed it 'Mildura' (1888-99), and then pastoralist Thomas Rand (1899-1922) who gave it its present name. The property was then purchased by the Baptist Union of Victoria to serve as the home for the newly established Carey Baptist Grammar School.

The later alterations and additions associated with its institutional use are not significant.

How is it significant?

'Urangeline' is of local historical, aesthetic, technical (creative), social and associative significance to the City of Boroondara, and potentially to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?

'Urangeline' is of historical significance for its association with Carey Baptist Grammar School since 1922. The Baptist Union of Victoria acquired the property that year to serve as the home of its new denominational school, which officially opened in February the following year. It has been associated with the school since that time. It is also of social significance to Carey Baptist Grammar School students and alumni who hold strong associations with 'Urangeline'. (Criteria A & H)

'Urangeline' is of creative significance as one of the very first, and the oldest surviving, example of the new Queen Anne style in the Melbourne metropolitan area. The style was strongly influenced by the English Domestic Revival designs by English architects Richard Norman Shaw and William Eden Nesfield, which in turn drew inspiration from picturesque English rural buildings and Tudor architecture. In Australia, the style was a reaction against what was considered 'sham' Victorian architecture, with cement render finishes and ornament singled out for special condemnation. Reed, Henderson & Smart were responsible not only for introducing the Queen Anne style to Melbourne, but they also led the revival in the use of red face brick, of which 'Urangeline' is also a very early example. 'Urangeline' is of associative significance as a demonstration of the practice's seminal role during this period. (Criteria F & H)

'Urangeline' exhibits a number of features that would come to characterise the Australian version of the Queen Anne style, which became so popular in the late 1890s and early 1900s. These include picturesque asymmetrical massing, the combining of medieval motifs (such as the gable above the entrance) with classical ones (such as the segmentally arched windows with keystones, and triangular pediment to the entrance tower), tuckpointed red face brick walls and chimneys, turned timber verandah posts, and the decorative margin glazing to the sash windows. (Criterion E)

Group

Education

Category

School - Private