REDCOURT

'Redcourt', 134 Wattle Valley Road, Camberwell, and its setting including the front and side garden is significant. The house was built c.1908-09 for the Bucknill Family of Camberwell.

134 Wattle Valley Road is of local historical, architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

Historically, 'Redcourt', dated 1908-09, reflects the early twentieth Century development of the City of Boroondara. The late nineteenth Century subdivisions, which in this case laid out Wattle Valley Road, shaped the suburb of Camberwell. The large corner lot is set next to more regular twentieth century subdivision patterns, which in combination exemplifies the transition from semi-rural to a suburban setting. (Criterion A)

Architecturally, 'Redcourt' is a relatively intact example of a single storey timber Federation villa, displaying the typical features of this type, such as the asymmetrical form with multiple gables and bays, a complex roof form, the deep verandah with turned timber posts, and a variation of decorative timber details. (Criterion D)

Aesthetically, the house is a picturesque example of a timber Federation villa. At a time when brick was preferred, the house is particularly substantial in size compared to other timber houses of the same era, which tend to be more modest than their brick counterparts. The multiple gables are ornately decorated with a combination of materials, half timbered, scalloped shingles, and roughcast. The asymmetrical form highlighted by the irregular fenestration and variety of timber detailing. The roof, clad with Marseilles pattern terra cotta roof tiles, is adorned with terra cotta ridge cresting and finials, adding to the elaborate expression of the Federation style. (Criterion E)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House