Residence - "Gosberton House"

Gosberton House in Ryrie Street is a fine example of a late Victorian Villa with polychromatic brickwork combined with Waurn Ponds limestone and elaborate cast iron work all derived from French Romanesque sources in a style consistent with the work of Alexander Davidson, a noted Geelong architect.

The eclectic style villa is picturesque and intact and apparently was erected in c 1878-1880 for either Robert McDonald or J. Wadelton, Geelong chemists.

The house is part of an interesting and diverse architectural group.

References

This site is part of a large parcel of land originally in the ownership of the Wesleyan Church. No information has been found to date regarding the date of construction, or tender notices for the erection of Gosberton House.

A title search confirms the land was subdivided and sola at auction on 28 January, 1878. Also, see advertisement in Geelong Advertiser in week preceding sale.

J. Daniel, trustee of the Wesleyan Church in Geelong, offered for auction on 28 January, 1878, two sites in the former Wesleyan Reserve - one frontage to Ryrie Street, on frontage to LaTrobe Terrace.

Geelong Advertiser 15 November 1879: J. Wadelton purchases Robert McDonald's Chemist.

For details of career of Alexander Davison, see:

Allan Willingham, Two Scots in Victoria: The Architecture of Davidson and Henderson', Master of Architecture, University of Melbourne, 1983.

The house has interesting stylistic associations with known work by Davidson, including the former residence of Dr. Glendinning, in Ryrie Street.

Removed From City Fringe Heritage Area (HO1639)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House