Narbethong

'Narbethong', 242 Latrobe Terrace, has significance as a locally unique, substantial and predominantly intact example of an interwar Old English style in Geelong West. Built in 1934 for Geelong Hospital's first and only Honorary Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat Specialist between 1925 and 1966, Dr Harold Rupert Hyett and his wife, Lois (whose training was in the visual arts), 'Narbethong' was designed by the well-known Melbourne architect, Marcus Barlow. The contextually unusual composition has French Provincial origins as outlined in other similar dwelling designs in The Australian Home Beautiful in the 1920s and 1930s, where a select number of dwellings were designed with L-shaped plans and round corner towers as part of an eclectic Old English design idiom. The emphasis on Arts and Crafts philosophy as part of this idiom is shown in the romantic and homely construction and detailing, including the clinker brick wall construction, glazed terra cotta tiled picturesque roof, medieval-like chimneys and corner tower with candle snuffer roof, entrance porch and projecting balcony. The rural-like setting afforded the suburban dwelling, as revealed in the gravelled drive and mature gum tree at the front, also contribute to the significance of the place, as does the front and side brick boundary fencing. 'Narbethong' was constructed by the successful local builder, George Neunhoffer, long-serving Geelong West Councillor

and Mayor between 1942 and 1944. The dwelling appears to be in good condition when viewed from the street.

'Narbethong', 242 Latrobe Terrace, is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level (AHC E.1, D.2). It demonstrates original design qualities of a French Provincial-inspired interwar Old English style, being a rare example in Geelong West and the Greater Geelong municipality. These qualities include the asymmetrical and picturesque two storey composition comprised of hipped roof forms (including the elongated wing that projects on the diagonal towards the Latrobe Terrace and Villamanta Street corner), and the round tower with candle snuffer roof that constitutes the main entrance porch. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the hipped roof single storey wing that projects at the front, rear flat roofed wing with deck above, unpainted clinker brick wall construction, glazed terra cotta tile roof cladding, medieval-like brick chimneys with terra cotta pots, broad eaves, rendered main entrance door surround with vestigial pilasters and a segmentally-arched opening, solid timber front door, bracketed lantern light over the front door, first floor projecting balcony and balustrade, glazed brick window surrounds and voussoirs with rendered keystones, projecting label moulds, timber framed double hung windows with eight-paned upper sashes and the two ground floor garage door openings on the north elevation. The gravelled driveway and mature gum tree at the front contribute to the rural-like character of the front yard within its greater suburban setting. Also contributing to the aesthetic significance of the place are the low brick fences on the Latrobe Terrace and Villamanta Street boundaries.

'Narbethong', 242 Latrobe Terrace, is historically significant at a LOCAL level (AHC A.4, H.1). It is associated with prestigious residential development in this part of Latrobe Terrace during the interwar period. In particular, 'Narbethong' has important historical associations with the original owners, Dr Harold Rupert Hyett and his wife, Lois, who had the dwelling constructed in 1934. Dr Hyett was the first and only Honorary Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat Specialist at the Geelong Hospital between 1925 and 1966, while Lois Hyett was trained in visual arts and contributed to local charities, including the Red Cross and Geelong Free Kindergarten. 'Narbethong' also has associations with the notable Melbourne architect, Marcus Barlow, and with the successful local builder, George Neunhoffer, long-time Geelong West Town Councillor and Mayor between 1942 and 1944.

Overall, 'Narbethong', 242 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong West, is of LOCAL significance

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence