Residence

Previously C Listed - Local Significance

(Marked as not contributory in City of Geelong Conservation Study)

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

'Devon' at 40 Eastern Beach, Geelong, has significance as an intact example of the postwar Modern (Waterfall Front) style. Built in 1950 for Clarence O'Donnell, caterer, the house appears to be in good condition when viewed from the street.

'Devon' at 40 Eastern Beach is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. It demonstrates original design qualities of a postwar Modern (Waterfall Front) style. These qualities include low pitched, hipped roof forms clad in terra cotta tiles, and the curved flat-roofed bays that project at the front and side. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the asymmetrical composition, two storey height, wide eaves, rectilinear brick chimney, tiled roof cladding, brick wall construction, streamlined timber framed windows with large expanses of glazing on the first floor, first floor curved balcony, sweeping concrete stairs that follow the curved form of the side bay, other banks of timber framed double hung windows which wrap around the building corners, projecting flat-roofed ground floor porch, and the metal balcony and porch balustrades, window grill, and stair balustrade. The front fence and garden also contribute to the significance of the place.

'Devon' at 40 Eastern Beach is historically significant at a LOCAL level. It is associated with the development of substantial 'streamlined' houses in Geelong after the Second World War. In particular, this house has associations with Clarence James O'Donnell, caterer and original owner from 1950 until 1972.

Overall, 'Devon' at 40 Eastern Beach is of LOCAL significance.

REFERENCES

Drainage plans and Reports, Barwon Water profis system, 1950, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1972.

Electoral Roll, Division Corio, Subdivision Geelong, 1984, Geelong Historical Records Centre.

Sands & McDougall Directory of Geelong 1972, Geelong Historical Records Centre.

Sands & McDougall "Invicta" Geelong Directory, 1968, Geelong Historical Records Centre.

Geelong City Council Rate Books (Barwon Ward), 1950-1960, Geelong Historical Records Centre.

Geelong Town Plan 1858, Geelong Historical Records Centre.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence