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Otira

Location

Cnr Walpole & Eglinton Street, KEW VIC 3101 - Property No B1227

File Number

B1227

Level

File only

[1/1]
B1227 Otira- corner of Walpole

Statement of Significance

The first application for land in this area was made by Richard Connebee, first minister of the Congregational Church in Kew. The lot on which Ótira' now stands was later part of Lot 87 purchased by Mr Fenwick in 1851. by 1886, the land was in the possession of Mr. Henry Berry, founder of the firm of that name. This firm became a very large wholesale grocery firm and still trades as "Invicta". Mr Berry employed the architect, Mr. Crouch, first Secretary of the Institute of Architects to deisgn and build Ótira' in 1887. In 1923, the property was acquired by the Methodist Church for use as a missionary training college.

The house wasa built of faced stone on a bluestone foundation. The large front door surrounded by lead light windows was surmounted by a fanlight depicting the white horse emblem of the Ínvicta' company. Amongst many outbuildings which once existed in the grounds - was a small cottage where the daughters of Henry Berry practised housekeeping. It was completely equipped for the preparation and serving of meals.

The land on which Ótira' stood has now been subdivided and used for the construction of new apartments.

Classified: 27/10/1960

Group