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Idlewylde; Mary's Mount

Other Names

Mary's Mount , Idlewylde

Location

41-45 Yarrbat Avenue BALWYN, Boroondara City

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/1]
Review of B Graded Buildings

Statement of Significance

Idlewylde, at 41-45 Yarrbat Avenue, Balwyn is of municipal historical and architectural significance. Though architecturally relatively undistinguished, as constructed, it was one of the largest and most lavish interwar private residential complexes in the state, with elaborate and extravagant outbuildings and garden, including a lake. In its original form, Idlewylde demonstrated one version of the lifestyle of the very wealthy in the early 1930s, with extremely lavish entertaining and recreational facilities.

As is the case for the Nicholas residence, Burnham Beeches, the complex was all the more extraordinary for having been constructed at a time when Australia was still in the grip of economic depression. The ability of the place to demonstrate the interests and aspirations of its original owner, Oliver Gilpin, have been diminished by the truncation of the grounds and the removal of many of the original features, though the lake remains. The indoor swimming pool is of note for its intactness and elaborate decoration and tiling.

Group