Dwelling

History/Notes
In 1912-13, the site at 53 Upper Skene Street formed lot 5 of the Newtown Tram Estate that had previously formed Henry King's "Sunnyside" property. It was purchased by Mrs Lavinia Turner who, in 1924, sold it to Harry Denno, builder. He seems to have commenced work on this house in late 1924 when it sold it to Jenkin Davies of Ulupna Road, Ormond. The house had been
completed by June 1925. Davies leased the property to Charles Dolheguy in 1926 and later to Oliver Nicholls. Davies retained ownership until his death in 1932 when it passed to his wife, Janet. Mr Howard Nicholls, clerk, occupied the house from 1933. He seems to have maintained occupation when it was sold to Miss Elva Illingworth in 1941 as Nicholls purchased it from her in 1953.

The original interwar Californian Bungalow design of the dwelling is discernible in the main gable and verandah gable roof forms, timber framed windows, front door opening with side light, broad eaves with exposed timber rafters and gable infill. The integrity of the front appearance of the dwelling has been compromised by the front carport. The front timber post and woven wire fence is consistent with the type of front fencing for interwar era dwellings.

References:
Newtown Rate Books, 1925-1935, Geelong Library & Heritage
Centre.
Newtown Building Permit 1925, City of Greater Geelong.
Geelong Waterworks & Sewerage Trust Plan NN6107, dated 24 June 1925, City of Greater Geelong.
Certificates of Title, vol. 3608 fol. 571, vol. 3920 fol. 819, vol. 4873 fol. 560.
Newtown Tram Estate subdivision plan, 30 March 1912, Alfred Deakin Library, Deakin University, 333.337099452 Gre/Pos.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House