Clomanto

Clomanto a Federation era house at 452 Barkers Road Hawthorn East, built in 1908 for Priscilla and William John Proctor is significant. 

452 Barkers Road is of local historic, architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

Clomanto at 452 Barkers Road, located on the Higham Estate is historically significant for its first owners Priscilla (Evans) Proctor and William John Proctor whose association with the place includes commissioning the house and as residents from 1908 to1922 when the property was sold.  Born in England, William Proctor’s involvement in public life in Victoria spanned a broader sphere beyond Boroondara, particularly in his employment as managing director of the Dunlop Rubber Company, as a Director of City Motor Services and as a founder of the Melbourne to Warrnambool bike race which is still run every year. (Criterion A)

 

Clomanto at 452 Barkers Road is an outstanding example of a Federation villa in Hawthorn East. Clomanto demonstrates in its building form and range of architectural elements an early transition from the more flamboyant Federation style to the more restrained Bungalow style. Although noted in the sale advertisement of 1922 as having been designed by one of Melbourne’s leading architects of the time no architect has been confirmed. However, the advanced styling for 1908, and the high-quality materials and design detail support this statement. (Criterion D)

 

452 Barkers Road is aesthetically significant for its high-quality design that is supported by its integrity. Design is evident in the materials used including fine quality red brick, rough cast render and strapping, timber shingles, lead lighting and terra cotta tile. Whilst these are all common materials of the period, their combined use at Clomanto leads to a house of outstanding richness of form, texture and detail. Aesthetic features include the porch with its columns and brickwork balustrade, arched brickwork to the entry door, leadlight box and canted windows, chimneys and timber fretwork to the attic and gable brackets. (Criterion E)