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Idylwylde

Other Names Mary's Mount ,  The Connault Location 41- 45 Yarrbat Avenue,, BALWYN VIC 3103 - Property No B4760 File Number B4760 Level State

[1/1] B4760 Idlewylde

Statement of Significance

The house "Idylwylde", architect unknown, built c.1935, as the centrepiece to large grounds, now gone, is of State significance for its architectural and historical values.
The house is one of the most lavish mansions built in Victoria in the interwar period. While the architecture is in a very restrained Mediterranean, or stripped-classical style of only some interest, the interiors feature extravagant and ornate details such as Rococo inspired plasterwork ceiling (in a different pattern in each room), coloured and patterned wall tiles and mosaic floors in the entry hall, ballroom, and some other rooms, and there is a Jazz Moderne etched glass pattern on the doors to the entry hall. Tiled work, plaster and even some cupboards also survive in the kitchen.
The former extent of the site, covering 20 acres, and including a sweeping drive and extravagant outbuildings, such as aneight car garage, huge hothouse, aviaries, orchard and landscaping, with an ornamental lake, was on a uniquely huge scale for an interwar property, but only the lake itself remains.
Historically, the house is important for its associations with Oliver Gilpin, who created a large and successful retail empire based in the countryside, in the interwar period, of which very little evidence remains today.
Classified: 13/10/1998