MILVERTON STREET RESIDENTIAL PRECINCT

Milverton Street Precinct, 17-35, 20-36 Milverton Street, Camberwell subdivided as part of the Highfield Estate c.1925-6 and developed between 1927 and 1942 is significant. The houses within the precinct are developed by 1937.

How is it significant?

Milverton Street Precinct is of local historic, architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

Why is it significant?

Milverton Street Precinct is historically significant as part of the former Highfield Estate with allotments of 3, 5, 7 and 10 acres around the Highfield farmhouse (situated at 150 Highfield Road), put up for sale between 1886 and 1927. Bounded by Riversdale Road, Warrigal Road, and Toorak Road, Highfield Estate was, like many other estates in Camberwell, created from the subdivision of farmland. Created in 1925-26, Lockhart Street is part of the last subdivisions of the Highfield Estate with the development of individual lots proceeding apace from 1927 until the completion of the street in 1942. (Criterion A)

Milverton Street Precinct represents a typical but relatively intact street from the interwar period, developed with within a relatively short 10-year period and comprising mainly modest Californian Bungalows, some of which have been built from the standard designs issued by the State Savings Bank. As well as typical bungalows in timber and in brick, Milverton Street Precinct demonstrates several late interwar styles including a two storey 'austerity' example at number 20 and a rendered duplex with typical brick patterning at number 33-35. (Criterion D)

Milverton Street Precinct is aesthetically significant for its shaded setting provided by the street plantings of Pin Oaks trees (Quercus palustris), although the trees do not form a highly consistent avenue, having been variously pruned. Milverton Street Precinct is aesthetically significant for its consistent palette of materials and building elements such as porches with pillars or piers, gabled (both transverse and front facing), and hipped roofs, and use of clinker brick and render, timber and terra cotta tile. Fine examples of Californian Bungalows include numbers 26 and 34 with a later example at number 21. The street is enhanced through the use of generally low fences in hedging, brick, stone, timber and occasionally, woven wire. (Criterion E).

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House