Benyeo

It is a substantial single-storey Italianate villa of rendered masonry with a hipped roof clad in slate and chimneys with unusual classical detailing. It presents a symmetrical facade to Bruce Street comprising two projecting rectangular bays and a verandah that stretches across the front facade and returns to both sides of the house. It is set back behind a mid-sized section and is significant to the extent of its nineteenth-century external form and fabric.

The modern additions and alterations including the high masonry front wall are not significant.

How is it significant?
'Benyeo' at 35 Bruce Street, Toorak is of local architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Stonnington.

Why is it significant?
Architecturally, 'Benyeo' is a highly intact and refined example of a distinguished residence built as part of a speculative property development in 1890-91 by one of Melbourne's leading landboomers, Charles Henry James. It is one of the few remaining houses of a number of prominently located late-nineteenth century villas that were constructed following the subdivision of the 'Balmerino' estate. The house adopts a symmetrical plan with a hipped slate roof, distinctive chimneys, a pair of projecting bays to the front and a return verandah. (Criterion D).

Aesthetically, it is distinguished by its generous size and sophisticated detailing including the continuous cast-iron verandah that stretches across the front facade and returns to both side elevations. The verandah is notable for its high quality cast-iron work, including the slender columns with heavy Corinthian capitals and the lacework patterns to the frieze, brackets and fringe set between chamfered timbers. The verandah floor is raised and retains its decorative tessellated tiles with bluestone nosing. The wide chimneys are unusually detailed in cement render with a heavy cornice set between a classical frieze and are also of note. (Criterion E)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Villa