17 Bell Street

The properties at 15- 21 Bell Street, Richmond are a row of four adjoining single storey Federation brick cottages, with hipped roof forms clad in corrugated galvanised steel, and gabled front bays with verandahs. The single bay verandahs each screen a three-light box-framed window; the front doors are set well back to the side of each house.

How is it significant?

The properties at 15-21 Bell Street, Richmond, are of local historical and aesthetic/architectural significance.

Why is it significant?

The properties are of local historical significance, as a substantially externally intact collection of four Federation brick cottages which date from 1911-12, and provide evidence of worker's housing in Richmond in the early twentieth century. The dwellings are associated with Eleazer Lesser, who acquired and developed a number of properties in Richmond in this period, including similar residential developments in Lord Street, Dickens Street and Burnley Street. The dwellings are also of local aesthetic/architectural significance. They represent a variant on Federation house architecture, and while comparatively modest in size, are distinguished by their detailing and prominent gabled verandahs. Elements of note include the gridded Japanese-flavoured verandah friezes; paired verandah posts with floral cut-out post spandrels; painted cement dressings; three-light front windows in box frames over apron sills; and chimney stacks.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Cottage