Blairholme House (formerly Awbridge)

The house was built for Lilian (nee Jones) and John Jesson shortly after their marriage in February 1887. Lilian Dawson Jones was the daughter of successful Melbourne merchant William Bushby Jones who created the 50-lot 'Brocklesby Estate' on the south side of Malvern Road in the former Shire of Malvern in 1886, on which 'Blairholme' was built. The house was purchased by Lauriston Girls' School in April 1975.

'Blairholme' is significant to the extent of its intact pre-1975 external form and fabric. The legibility of the built form in views from the public realm and the building's mature garden setting (including the mature Camphor Laurel tree) contribute to the significance of the place.

Modern alterations and additions are not considered to be significant.

How is it significant?
'Blairholme' (formerly 'Awbridge'), at 1034 Malvern Road, Armadale, is of local architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Stonnington.

Why is it significant?
'Blairholme' (formerly 'Awbridge') at 1034-1040 Malvern Road, Armadale is a fine representative example of a substantial architect-designed Victorian Italianate villa residence built for a prominent Melbourne resident, of the sort that began to character the suburb of Armadale in the 1880s. (Criterion D)

The house is of aesthetic significance for its complex massing and elaborate detailing that distinguishes it from other houses in this idiom. This includes: the arrangement of canted projecting bays which are accentuated by the encircling cast iron verandah; the intricate and high-quality cast iron work including the heavy range of frieze, bracket and tympanum patterns; the central landmark tower with bold cement render detailing including the balustraded parapet with moulded piers and orbs and elaborate acanthus leaf impost mouldings; and the elaborate front entrance door. (Criterion E)

The mature Camphor Laurel tree (Cinnamomum camphora) located north of the building is of aesthetic significance as an outstanding example of its species in cultivation, and one of the largest examples of this species included on the National Trust Significant Tree Register. The canopy size and spread is particularly notable, and comparable to any specimen in Victoria, exceeding 20m across; the height, exceeding 16m, and the trunk diameter, exceeding 1m, make it an outstanding example of its species, with significant aesthetic values. It is likely to date from the period c1890-1900 and is the only tree which survives from the early garden. (Criterion E)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Mansion