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Silver Birches

Other Name

Emerald Country Club

Location

1 Mary Street,, EMERALD VIC 3782 - Property No B6967

File Number

B6967

Level

Regional

Statement of Significance

The Silver Birches property, designed by noted architect Harry Norris, and constructed in c1937, is of State significance for its architectural and landscape values, and historical and social associations.
The Silver Birches property is of architectural significance as a building strongly influenced by the characteristically severe geometric lines of European modernism which is accentuated by the present white colour. The exterior features simple cubic massing, relieved only by the inset doorway and upper level terrace setback. The interior features unusual Italian floor tiles throughout, laid in geometric patterns, imported door furniture and light fittings, and a rectilinear patterned "ric-rac" metal stair railing.
It is also unusual as one of only a small number of properties known to reflect the stylistic avant garde of Modernism in the 1930s within a country setting. The landscape of the property Silver Birches is important for its role as a well preserved, mature and contemporary setting for a notable architect designed house, and as a fine collection of landscape elements. There are mature and some unusual trees, hard landscape, a gateway and a later pool, which are all representative of the period. It is believed that, as in the case of Burnham Beeches, the architect was closely involved with the landscape layout.
Historically and Socially, the associations with the owner, Dr Bottomley, and the development of the house as part of the Emerald Country Club, of which he was a founding force, are important.
The exclusive Emerald Country Club was one of very few such developments in Victoria in the 1920s with the Ranelagh estate in Mt Eliza, laid out by W B Griffin, being the only other important example. Evidence of the club remains in both buildings and landscape in the area. The club had an association with noted 19th century industrialist Russell Grimwade, who owned the original property (CA53 & 53A), and initiated the Bosisto & Company research farm around this site. The Camden wollybutt plantation established by the research farm remains nearby.
Classified: 03/05/1999

Group

Recreation and Entertainment