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ST ANDREW'S PRESBYTERIAN MANSE (FORMER)

Location Monroe Street, BRANXHOLME VIC 3302 - Property No 323 File Number 536 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/4] 23294 St Andrew s Manse [2/4] 23294 St Andrews Manse [3/4] 23294 St Andrews Manse [4/4] 23294 St Andrews Manse

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former Presbyterian Manse was constructed in 1863, shortly after the adjacent church, and possibly by the same local builder, Ewan McNaughton. The architect is said to have been James Henry Fox of Hamilton. The manse is a simple bluestone house in the vernacular colonial style, symmetrical about the front door, with a low pitched hipped roof, still covered in slate, and a timber verandah, formerly covered in slate and now covered in corrugated iron. The house retains its original fenestration throughout, which, on the facade, demonstrates a particularly late use of french doors with finely subdivided glazing. The reception room on the north side, and adjacent to the church, was the Minister's study. Importantly, the Minister's desk and bookcase survive as built-in furniture between the chimney breast and the inside wall. The first Minster was Reverend J. McRoberts. The detached kitchen also survives, linked by a later vestibule, and is of interest because it stands beside rather than behind the house. Minor alterations have occurred internally, such as the relining of ceilings. A verandah was added in historic times across the rear of the main wing. The manse is significantly intact but is in only fair condition.

How is it significant?
The former St Andrew's Manse is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria and the Shire of Southern Grampians.

Why is it significant?
The former St Andrew's Presbyterian Manse is of historical significance as the residence associated with the former St Andrew's Presbyterian Church and of architectural significance for its very conservative style, plan and form, its intact interiors and especially the Minister's desk and bookcase and as an example of the work of Hamilton architect, James Henry Fox..