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SOMERSET TERRACE
Other NameHouses Location54-64 BAKER STREET, RICHMOND, YARRA CITY
File NumberY2011:10187LevelRecommended for Heritage Overlay |
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Statement of Significance
What is significant? The front fences and non-original alterations and additions to the terrace are not significant. How it is significant? Why it is significant? Somerset Terrace is architecturally significant as representative example of a Victorian terrace row constructed during the 1880s. Typically, the decoration is more restrained that the terraces constructed during the late Victorian 'boom' era and includes features such as the bi-chromatic brickwork, verandah with cast iron frieze and brackets, a parapet with moulded cornice and central pediment and other stucco detailing. The elevated siting of the terrace enhances its streetscape presence. It is notable for its uncommon form comprising a single storey front with double storey rear wings. (Criteria B & D)
Somerset Terrace, a late Victorian terrace row comprising six houses constructed by 1887, at 54-64 Baker Street, Richmond is significant. The terrace is slightly elevated, which enhances its street presence, and the houses have small front gardens. Unusually, it is single storey at the front and has original double storey wings at the rear. It is constructed of bi-chromatic brick and has a continuous (i.e., not penetrated by the brick wing walls) concave verandah, originally with a cast-iron frieze set within a timber frame with cast iron brackets (this survives at nos. 54 & 60). The parapet is composed of a moulded cornice once framed by corbels at either end. There is a central triangular pediment set within low piers (that once supported orbs/urns) flanked by consoles and surmounted by an acroterion that contains the name 'Somerset Terrace'. The wing walls beneath the verandah are decorated with corbels, once surmounted by orbs, which have been removed. Each house has a relatively tall tripartite window with colonettes and a bluestone sill, and a panelled front door with top light. The contrasting brick surrounding the windows and doors creates the appearance of quoining.
Somerset Terrace is of local historic and architectural significance to the City of Yarra.
Somerset Terrace is historically significant as tangible evidence of the large terrace rows constructed as speculative ventures during the 1880s land boom, which was characterised by higher density development as land values increased. It demonstrates a significant phase of residential development during the late nineteenth century. (Criterion A)
Group
Residential buildings (private)
Category
House