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Boonong

Location

273 Bayswater Road BAYSWATER NORTH, MAROONDAH CITY

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

Boonong (formerly the Oaks) a Romantic, almost picturesque Gothic house, was built in 1880 (this is not conclusive) by James Hosie, as a farm to supply his Hosie's Hotel and Cafe still operating on the corner of Elizabeth and Flinders Street, Melbourne. There was a major Italianate addition in front c1890 and other outbuildings including the 1920s garage. It is set in a substantial mature garden with distant views, and the driveway and boundary windbreaks of mature oaks. Boonong is historically significant to the Melbourne region as the pioneering, substantial farmhouse in this area and for its association with Hosie, whose name is still perpetuated in his hotel in Melbourne. The setting is still evocative of a nineteenth century farming way of life. The elements of the setting are significant, including the oak trees, cypresses, pergolas, windmill, well, garage, garden and distant views. It is also historically significant in demonstrating its sequence of occupancy in the differing architectural styles of its buildings and their setting. Boonong is architecturally significant as an extraordinary example of an inimitable architectural style (1880) and as a characteristic Italianate farmhouse (1890). The wall construction, surviving timber shingle roof and subfloor ventilation system are scientifically significant in demonstrating technical innovation and potential for future technical research as a physical document.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House