OAMARU

The Italianate villa, 'Oamaru' dating from c.1889, located at 26 Walsh Street, Coburg. The original typical Italianate form, materials and detailing of the house contribute to its significance.

The attached garage is not significant. The modern iron sheds at the rear of the house are not significant.

How is it Significant?

'Oamaru' at 26 Walsh Street Coburg is of historical and aesthetic significance to the City of Moreland.

Why is it Significant

'Oamaru' at26 Walsh Street Coburg is of historical significance as it represents the first phase of suburban expansion and development into Coburg by the middle classes in the years immediately prior to the depression of the 1890s when Melbourne's suburban land 'boom', driven by property speculation and building ceased. The house was the first in its street, and was built between June 1887 and c September 1888 by landowner and contractor David Walsh, for whom the street is presumably named after. The house remained as one of only two homes in Walsh Street until nearly World War 1, demonstrating the long hiatus in economic recovery after the 1890s depression. Built in 1889, at the beginning of Coburg's expansion, the building is typical of the late nineteenth century in its form and detailing. (Criterion A)

'Oamaru' at 26 Walsh Street Coburg, in its setting, is of aesthetic significance as a good representative example of this style of residence, popular in the late nineteenth century, particularly the late 1880s and early 1890s. The building, constructed in c1889 demonstrates the major characteristics of the style, including the M-hipped roof with original decorative rendered chimneys, the canted bay window, an intact shallow convex return verandah with its typical decorative cast iron lacework and Corinthian columns and other decorative detailing including the heavy six panelled front door, large double hung sash windows, and ornamentation such as acanthus leaf motifs on the brackets, mouldings to window heads and surrounds, and the decorative coloured leadlight stained glass sidelights and fanlight. (Criterion D)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House