Back to search results »

Back to search page »

Blanche Terrace

Location 169-179 Victoria Parade,, FITZROY VIC 3065 - Property No B1989 File Number B1989 Level State

[1/1] B1989 Blanche Terrace

Statement of Significance

What is significant? Blanche Terrace, Fitzroy, is a terrace of six houses built between 1866 and 1867 for Henry Mills. This fine two storey brick terrace in the conservative classical style is notable for the length of its facade and epitomizes a typical terrace composition of the time. The deep setback from the street and the fine mouldings, particularly on the flat arch arcade on the ground floor and first floor windows, are distinctive features of the building. It is an outstanding example of this distinctive building type.
How is it significant? Blanche Terrace is of architectural, historical and cultural significance to the State of Victoria.
Why is it Significant? Blanche Terrace is of architectural significance as an outstanding example of a distinctive 19th century form of Melbourne housing. The facade is largely intact, although the words 'Blanche Terrace' have been removed from the freize, and parts of the cast iron palisade fence remain.
Blanche Terrace is of historical and cultural significance for its associations with the important Australian novelist, Henry Handel Richardson (aka Florence Lindesay Richardson), who was born in 1870 in No.179 (when it was No.149). Richardson is perhaps best known for her novels 'The Fortunes of Richard Mahony' (also known as 'Australia Felix'), and 'The Getting of Wisdom'.Henry Handel Richardson (Ethel Florence Lindesay Richardson) was born at the present number 179 on January 3 1870.
Statement adapted Heritage Victoria. June 2010
Classified: 'Local'14/05/1970
Revised: 03/08/1998