71 Elgin St

1. This fine timber house constructed in 1881, possibly by the local builder, Thomas Barrett, for Peter and Louisa Vosper, has historical significance as an early school building. Educational establishments played a major role in the early development of Hawthorn but few of the small schools from this period have survived.

2. The best group of larger houses on the fringe of the West Hawthorn Conservation Area which illustrates the use of the cheaper material timber on a garden villa form. Unusual in Hawthorn.

HO220 West Hawthorn Precinct, Hawthorn

The West Hawthorn Precinct, Hawthorn, is an area of heritage significance for the following reasons:

- The place is a large and varied concentration of brick and timber Victorian worker's cottages and modest residences. Connell and Mason Streets have a good proportion of brick residences, while College, Fashoda, Spencer Streets have a higher concentration of timber workers' cottages.

- The place is representative of the growth of Hawthorn as a Victorian garden suburb from 1856-1900, particularly the use of the garden suburb ideal through the incorporation of parkland in order to improve the amenity of workers housing.

- The precinct also includes a mix of late Federation and interwar houses and flats.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House