'DRIFFVILLE'

Driffield, a large federation house on a double allotment built for timber merchant Ernest T.J.Clark at 15 View Street in 1907-08 is significant.

How is it significant?

15 View street is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

Why is it significant?

Driffield at 15 View Street Canterbury, subdivided as part of the Canterbury Mount Estate, is historically significant for its demonstration of early twentieth century residential expansion marketed for their proximity to railway stations. (Criterion A).

15 View Street is a representative example of a large single storey Federation villa which engages with the architectural vocabulary of the time in a fairly conventional manner. Whilst Boroondara has many such examples, 15 View Street demonstrates the large single storey variant using the hexagonal tower as a key compositional element. Its condition and integrity from the public domain are high. (Criterion D).

Aesthetically, 15 View Street combines the elements of picturesque roof massing, free flowing plan, return verandah, multi-facetted bay and bow windows and solid timber verandah posts and fretwork, together with a hexagonal tower as a key element in the composition. The building form and roof massing, materials of terra cotta tile and red brick, stucco and timber battening, use of leadlight and chimney/wall detail are particular noteworthy features. The place is enhanced by the garden setting, fence and entrance arbour, although these are of contemporary origin and evidence for their earlier appearance has not been found. (Criterion E).

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Villa