DANBY

The Federation house known as 'Danby', 35 Rockley Road, South Yarra, a two-storey dwelling built in 1910-11 for clothing manufacturer and retailer, Henry Buck.

Elements that contribute to the significance of the place include (but are not limited to):

. The house's original external form, materials and detailing

. The house's high level of integrity to its original design

. The original front fence

. The front cypress hedge.

The 1960s additions at the rear are not significant.

How is it significant?

'Danby', 35 Rockley Road, South Yarra is of local architectural, aesthetic and historical significance to the City of Stonnington.

Why is it significant?

'Danby', 35 Rockley Road, South Yarra is a fine and representative example of a Federation house. It displays typical features of the Federation Arts and Crafts architectural style popular in the first decade of the twentieth century in South Yarra and across Melbourne more broadly, including a simple symmetrical form with subtle asymmetrical elements, unadorned and tapered chimneys, exposed timber rafter ends and timber brackets, and the use of contrasting materials such as red brick and roughcast render. The use of quality materials and elaborate detailing imparts a sense of grandeur and demonstrates the status of the owner in wealthy established areas such as South Yarra in the early twentieth century (Criterion D).

'Danby', 35 Rockley Road, South Yarra is a well-considered and carefully detailed example of what can broadly be defined as a Federation Arts and Crafts house. The overall appearance of symmetry, with large central entrance archway, projecting hipped dormer and chimneys, subtle asymmetry of the flanking projecting gabled bays, bay windows, decorative timberwork and coloured and leadlight glass, demonstrate a rich use of architectural elements and materials which together present a picturesque composition of this architectural style. The original timber front fence, with Art Nouveau-inspired detailing and recessed entrance, along with the mature cypress row, contributes to the picturesque character of the place (Criterion E).

'Danby', 35 Rockley Road, South Yarra has strong associations with Henry Buck, the original owner of the house. Buck became well known in the clothing manufacture and retail industry in Melbourne and the business, Henry Buck's Menswear, continues to operate in 2017. Buck belonged to many associations, supported many charitable institutions and received an O.B.E. in 1920 for services to the community and business (Criterion H).

'Danby', 35 Rockley Road, South Yarra has strong associations with H W & F B Tompkins, prominent Melbourne architects in the early twentieth century. Best known for their commercial work such as the Myer Emporium and Dimmey's store, 'Danby' is a clear and competent illustration of the firm's high quality design. It is one of a small number of residential buildings that can be attributed to these well-known Australian architects (Criterion H).

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House