Carabacel (later 'Carrick Hill', later 'Dunreay')

The two-storey rendered masonry Italianate villa, originally known as ‘Carabacel’ at 41 Harcourt Street, Hawthorn East, is significant. It was built in 1884–1885 and designed by Melbourne-based architect Harry B. Gibbs. The house is significant to the extent of its 1884–1885 fabric and its setting. The front fence and any rear additions are not significant. 

‘Carabacel’ is of local historic, aesthetic and representative (architectural) significance to the City of Boroondara. 

Located in the northern portion of Hawthorn East, in the area also known as Upper Hawthorn and Auburn, ‘Carabacel’ in one of multiple residential properties which is representative of the middle-class suburban development of the suburb during the 1880s and prior to the economic depression. Its ornate architectural style combined with its setting within substantial gardens for the suburb provides evidence of the desirability of the suburb during the economic boom of the period. (Criterion A) 

 

‘Carabacel’ is a fine example of a substantial Victorian Italianate mansion set within extensive grounds. The gabled roof form with its details displays a Victorian interpretation of the Romanesque pictured in pattern book architecture in Britain and the USA. It retains intact typical mid to late Victorian Italianate elements. These features include the rendered masonry walls, bracketed eaves, gabled roof and verandah decorated with cast iron work. ‘Carabacel’ is an uncommon residential building designed by Harry B Gibbs, a Melbourne based architect. His architectural firm is known to have worked on a mainly commercial, industrial and warehouse projects, with some of his better known work in commercial and industrial buildings. (Criterion D) 

 

 ‘Carabacel’ is distinguished by its form and the retention of a high level of ornamental detail of the Victorian Italianate style. Of particularly fine detail is the refined cast-iron detailing to the verandah balustrade, columns and frieze as well as the moulded architraves and keystones to the windows and first floor door to the front (south) façade. The gable end to the protruding gable is distinguished by its overhanging bracketed eaves and mouldings that are illustrate unusual ornamentation. (Criterion E)