"Leyton" and "Rochford", villas including interior

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The pair of townhouses. "Leyton" and "Rochford" at 24-26 Moorabool Street, Geelong are important survivors from the earliest years of colonial settlement at Corio Bay. This distinctive pair of Regency Italianate style villas are rare examples of the of Surplice and Sons. Architects and are preserved in an amazing degree of intactness considering they were constructed of ashlar freestone in 1851-52. the triple arched upper level windows restrained parapet entabulature and single storey arcaded portico are dominant elements in this design which is virtually unrivalled in Victoria s an illustration of pre-gold rush urban architecture.

RECOMMENDATIONS: PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Geelong Regional Commission Register.

Australian Heritage Commission Register of the National Estate.

Historic Buildings Council Register.

National Trust of Australia (Victoria) Register.

REFERENCES

Geelong Advertiser - 4 November 1850. Surplice and Sons, Architects, advertise tenders for part or whole works on two by two storey townhouses in Moorabool Street.

4 November, 1852 - public notice - Sale by Auction in Moorabool Street the Church Hill - 2 storey stone mansions, capacious hall, dining room, drawing room - second storey 3 bedrooms with outbuildings and two bedrooms above.

A detailed examination of City of Geelong Rate Books may reveal details of ownership from date of construction as well as descriptions of premises.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Villa