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SCHOOL TEACHER'S RESIDENCE (FORMER)

Location 59 Bell Street, PENSHURST VIC 3289 - Property No 0119 File Number 982 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/2] 23360 School Master s [2/2] 23360 School Master s

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former teacher's residence is located at 59 Bell Street, Penshurst. The land on which it stands was purchased from the Crown by members of the Ardlie family of Warrnambool, probably as speculation. The present house was built about 1900 for Robert Aitken Junior, the tanner who operated his father's tannery next door and a leading member of the community. Its Queen Anne style is typical of the Federation period. It is one of the better examples in Penshurst and is notable for its controlled asymmetry, picturesque roofline and diagonal corner window. In this it can be compared with the Police Residence built in 1914. No architect or builder has been connected with its construction. The house was purchased by the Education Department in 1924 as a teacher's residence. It remains substantially intact and in very good condition.

How is it significant?
The former teacher's residence is of historical and architectural significance to the township of Penshurst and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The former teacher's residence is of historical significance both as a typical example of housing at the turn of the century reflecting the success and prosperity of the second generation of the Aitken family and specifically as the residence of the state school teacher for about fifty years. It is of architectural significance as one of the best examples of the Queen Anne style in Penshurst.