Kia Ora - Dwelling

What is Significant?

"Kia Ora" at 75 Staceys Road, Lovely Banks, has significance as an historical legacy of the successful sheep grazing enterprise established by John Sutherland on the property in 1906. "Kia Ora" had been acquired by Hugh Mann Sutherland of the adjoining substantial homestead, Elcho, on behalf of his son, John Sutherland and his wife, Helen. H.M. Sutherland also engaged the Geelong architects, Laird and Barlow to design the existing dwelling in March 1906. While "Kia Ora" has experienced some alterations, the original Federation era design qualities are clearly discernible. These qualities include the single storey height and asymmetrical composition, horizontal timber weatherboard wall cladding, dominant hipped roof form at the front and the two minor rear hipped wings, rendered chimney with a terra cotta pot, elevated basalt base wall construction, and timber framed double hung windows. In addition, the timber lattice verandah fretwork and curved timber verandah brackets represents one of the few decorative features of the dwelling, being characteristic of other contemporary examples of the work of the architects. Overall, the dwelling appears to be in fair condition when viewed from the road. The historical significance is embodied in the surviving Federation era fabric.

How is it Significant?

"Kia Ora" at 75 Staceys Road, Lovely Banks, is historically significant at a LOCAL level.

Why is it Significant?

"Kia Ora" at 75 Staceys Road is historically significant for its associations with Hugh Mann Sutherland of Elcho Homestead, and particularly his son, John Sutherland, prize-winning breeder of Border Leicester sheep (Criteria A & H). H.M. Sutherland acquired the property and commissioned the Geelong architects, Laird and Barlow to design "Kia Ora" as a home for the newly weds, John and Helen Sutherland, in March 1906. During their tenure at "Kia Ora", John Sutherland was widely known for his successful sheep grazing and breeding, as reported in a number of Melbourne and interstate newspapers. "Kia Ora" is also associated with a notable number of farms established in the Lara area during the Federation era, although it is one of few that survive today. The significance of "Kia Ora" is embodied in the surviving Federation era fabric.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence