HO74 - Parklea

The house at 148-200 Abey Rd, Melton South, is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level (AHC D.2). It demonstrates original design qualities of a modest interwar Bungalow style. These qualities include the gable roof form that traverses the site, together with the verandah gable that projects towards the front. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the asymmetrical composition, single storey height, horizontal timber weatherboard wall cladding, green painted and lapped galvanised corrugated steel roof cladding, brick chimney, broad eaves with exposed timber rafters, brick verandah piers, timber framed double hung windows (including the banks of three at the front), timber framed door opening with sidelight and the gable infill (sheet panelling and vertical timber battening).

'Parklea' at 148-200 Abey Rd, Melton South, is aesthetically significant at a LOCAL level (AHC E.1). The setting of the property demonstrates important visual qualities as defined by the long drive flanking mature peppercorn trees, mature cypress trees nearby the house and the rear outbuildings.

'Parklea' at 148-200 Abey Rd, Melton South, is historically significant at a LOCAL level (AHC B2, H1). It is a relatively scarce remaining example of an interwar farming property in the Shire. It is also associated with the Robinson family, who were Melton's pioneering hay making farmers. A member of the family was represented on the Melton Council for most years in the twentieth century; the Robinson family donated the 'President's Seat', the carved chair used by Melton Shire Presidents since 1966. The outbuildings, tank stand and huts and plantings constitute noteworthy evidence of an earlier farming complex.

Overall, 'Parklea' at 148-200 Abey Road, Melton South is of LOCAL significance.

Group

Farming and Grazing

Category

Farm