"Wimmera

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

CITATION FROM GRC - Historic Places Documentation Sheet

'Wimmera' a two storey stuccoed brick residence originally known as "Tamara" was erected in 1858-60 for John Honeychurch Down".

"Wimmera House" so named by William H Lloyd, a former Wimmera district miller following acquisitioin in 1883, is an important example of the work of celebrated architects Backhouse and Reynolds. This Notable Italianate design is eclipsed only by "Merchiston Hall" as their finest residential work of the period 1850-60 in Geelong. Removal of the east verandahs has impaired the overall effect of the design, however, the structure survives as an illustration of the nature of the Italianate tradition of the 1850's in Victoria.

REFERENCES:

Geelong Advertiser - 22nd June, 1860 - Tender notices.

Seaton, Gladys - The Ashby Story - A History of Geelong West for Geelong West City Council by Adams Printers Pty Ltd, 1979 pp 124,, 251-252. Including illustrations as originally constructed.

Huddle, Lorraine - "Architects in Geelong in the 1840's and 1850's" - Hunabities Research report, Department of Architecture, University of Melbourne, 1979 3 Vols

Vol 1 pp 63-79, Vol 2 p 40, Vol 3 p 136.

CITATION FROM GEELONG WEST URBAN CONSERVATION STUDY

Wimmera" is one of the few large villas from the first two decades of settlement to have survived in Geelong West. One of the Backhouse and Reynolds best surviving works and the only example to these architects work in Geelong West. It is of state significance.

POLICY RECOMMENDATION: Historic Buildings Council Register, NER, GRPS

Reinstatement of the eastern verandah would increase the integrity of this building.

REFERENCES:

G. Seaton - The Ashby Story - A History of Geelong West, Geelong West City Council 1978, pp 124, 251-252.

L. Huddle - "Architects in Geelong in the 1840's and 1850's, Humanities Research Report, Department of Architecture, University f Melbourne, 1979, Vol 1 pp 63-79, Vol 2 p40, Vol 3 p136.

A. Willingham - Historic Places Documentation Sheet No 255, Geelong Regional Commission 1985.

Photograph of WH Lloyd and family at "Wimmera House", Geelong Historical Records Centre Noi 1704/19.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House