'Warrain' Residence

Significant

Previously C Listed - Local Significance

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The house known as "Warrain" at 56 Western Beach, Geelong, has significance as an intact and unusual example of the Victorian Italianate style. Built in 1888 for John Martin to a design by the Geelong architect, GS Jackson, the house appears to be in good condition when viewed from the street.

"Warrain" at 56 Western Beach is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level. It demonstrates original design qualities of a Victorian Italianate style. These qualities include the recessed and stepped hipped roof forms, together with the bay windwo have a conical roof that projects towards the street frontage and a return bullnosed verandah that projects towards the front and side. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the asymmetrical composition, single storey height, slate roof cladding, galvanised corrugated iron verandah roof cladding, tuckpointed brick wall construction, rendered brick chimneys with projecting dentillated cornices and decorative modillions, narrow eaves with paired worked timber brackets and roundels between, timber framed double hung windows (including the bay window and tripartite window under the verandah), front timber framed doorway with four panelled timber door and sidelights and highlights, cast iron Corinthian verandah columns, cast iron verandah brackets and valances, cream brick quoinwork about the building corners and openings, and the rear unpainted red brick chimney with a multi-corbelled top. The mature tree at the front also contributes to the significance of the place.

"Warrain" at 56 Western Beach is historically significant at a LOCAL level. It is associated with residential developments in Geelong in the late 19th century. In particular, this house has associations with John James Martin, timber merchant and original owner who instigated construction in 1888-89. The house had been designed by the Geelong architect JS Jackson and was originally called "Marevideo". It took the name "Warrain" from second owner, George Holden or his son, Arthur, in the early 20th Century.

Overall, "Warrain" at 56 Western Beach is of LOCAL significance.

References

References D. Rowe, Architecture of Geelong 18601900 B. Arch. Thesis, Deakin University, 1991. Reports and Drainage Plans, Barwon Water profis system, 1982. Sands amp McDougalls Directory of Geelong, 1972, Geelong Historical Records Centre. Sands amp McDougalls quotInvictaquot Geelong Directory, 1968, Geelong Historical Records Centre. Geelong City Council Rate Books Villamanta Ward, 18881960, Geelong Historical Records Centre. Town Plan of Geelong 1881, Geelong Historical Records Centre. Ball, G.J., Shadows on the Wall, 1983, Geelong Historical Records Centre. Morrow, W.J., Index to the Geelong Advertiser, 18881900, Geelong Historical Records Centre. Land Title search APP8681, Land Titles Office, Marland House, Bourke St., Melbourne. Dr David Rowe Authentic Heritage Services Pty Ltd File No. 1188 Page

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence