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Valentines

Other Names Davies Folly ,  Malvern House Caulfield Grammar School Location 5 - 15 Willoby Avenue,, GLEN IRIS VIC 3146 - Property No B0814 File Number B0814 Level State

[1/2] B0814 Valentines Glen Iris [2/2] B0814 Malvern Grammar School

Statement of Significance

Valentines, an ornate two storey stucco rendered brick mansion now occupied by the Caulfield Grammar School, was erected at the height of the land boom era in 1891-2 for Melbourne solicitor, politician and ill-fated speculator, John Davies. The boom style classicism mansion, referred to as Davies Folly, was designed by Thomas Watts and Sons, architects and reputedly erected by Joseph Hollow, builder.
Valentines is of architectural significance as an intact example of boom classicism architecture in Melbourne and an important work of the long established architect Thomas Watts. The mansion is of historical importance as an illustration of the extravagant and reckless nature of land boom speculation in late 19th century Victoria, and for associations with the once powerful Davies financial empire. The spatial effect of the towering ballroom and elaborate interior finishes are notable qualities.
Valentines, now occupied as a private day school, has been sensitively converted to a new use. The interior has been thououghly maintained and enhanced but the exterior fabric and stucco is badly deteriorated and requires extensive rehabilitation.
Classified: 30/10/58
Revised: 03/08/1998