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Labassa, 2/2A Manor Grove

Other Name "Labassa" (formerly "Ontario") Location 2-2A Manor Grove CAULFIELD NORTH, GLEN EIRA CITY Level Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/1] 2 Manor Grove Caulfield,

Statement of Significance

"Labassa" is nationally important as a supreme example of a late Victorian Boom Style residence showing European influence and incorporating rare architectural treatments including elements of its cast cement ornamentation, marbling, arcade vaulting and a trompe l'oeil ceiling. "Labassa's" ability to inform us of the highest standards of Victorian schemes of decoration is enhanced by its intact state. It also has significance, however, for its associations with A. W. Robertson and later, LB. Watson, both of whom attained wealth through gold mining and whose house may directly reflect the precedents set by the mining magnates of California's gold rushes in San Francisco and possibly elsewhere where similar standards of opulence were achieved in villa design.