Laurence Park

What is Significant?

"Laurence Park" and the stone stables ruins at 125 Buckingham Street, Lara, have significance for their associations with one of Lara's pioneers, David McHarry (c.1834-1910), who by 1870 had established a successful lime burning business at a time when a burgeoning lime industry had formed at Lara, given the high demand for the material and the complementary reports on the quality of the local lime in contemporary newspapers. In 1874-75, it appears that McHarry constructed the existing cottage and stone stables ruins where he continued his lime burning interests as well as farming. The existing cottage and stone stables ruins are a tangible legacy of the success of McHarry's business life. Although the cottage has been altered and extended, the significant associations with David McHarry are embodied in the original Victorian era fabric. This includes the front gable roof forms, single storey height, rendered limestone wall construction with face brick quoinwork, rendered chimneys, front verandah, and the front door opening and flanking timber framed double hung windows. The stone stables ruins and the mature peppercorn trees also contribute to the significance of the place. The dwelling appears to be in good condition when viewed from the street. The dwelling is also one of a small number of surviving Victorian vernacular styled dwellings in the Lara area, all of which have experienced alterations.

"Laurence Park" and stone stables ruins at 125 Buckingham Street, Lara, are historically significant at a LOCAL level.

"Laurence Park" and the stone stables ruins at 125 Buckingham Street, Lara, are historically significant for its associations with David McHarry, pioneer of Lara who established an enduring farm and lime burning business from 1870 (Criteria A & H). McHarry (c.1834-1910), was a farmer and a lime burner whose success was reported in Victoria and Its Metropolis in 1888. He was one of the early lime burners who capitalised on the burgeoning industry at Lara in the 19th century that became well-known for the quality of lime. In addition to his business commitments, McHarry also contributed much to community life at Lara. He was a Councillor with the Corio Shire Council in 1881-1889 and 1900-1903, an inaugural Trustee of the Lara Recreation Reserve in 1880 and in 1886 he donated the land for the construction of the Lara Public Hall. He appears to have built his limestone dwelling and outbuildings (including the surviving stables ruins) in 1874-75.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence