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House, Fmr Labassa Conservatory, 21 Manor Grove

Other Name Former ''Labassa'' conservatory (1890), now a house Location 21 Manor Grove CAULFIELD NORTH, Glen Eira City Level Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/2] 21 Manor Grove Caulfield [2/2] 21 Manor Grove Caulfield

Statement of Significance

The former conservatory situated at no. 21 Manor Grove, North Caulfield in the former grounds of"Labassa", was built for Alexander Robertson to the design of architect John A.B. Koch presumably soon after its purchase in 1887. It is historically and aesthetically significant.

It is historically significant (Criterion A) for its associations with "Labassa" and its owner, Alexander Robertson, businessman and proprietor of the Cobb and Co. line of coaches. This significance is enhanced by the rarity of the structure (Criterion B) and its intact state. Given this aspect of its significance, it has importance also for its capacity to illustrate the former practice of estate owners during the nineteenth century of running garden conservatories. It is aesthetically significant (Criterion E) as a Boom period garden structure interpreting the stylistic extravagances of "Labassa" itself, the French Second Empire roof, symmetrical temple inspired form and intricate ornamentation being unique, today, and presumably rare amongst conservatories in Victoria at any time.