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The Hermitage Garden

Location

161 Maroondah Highway, NARBETHONG VIC 3778 - Property No G13051

File Number

G13051

Level

National

Statement of Significance

The Hermitage, property of noted photographer John William Lindt, commenced in 1894 and developed until his death in 1926, then continued in use as a guest house by Joan Anderson, is of National significance:

- as amongst the best surviving examples of a nineteenth century hill station in Australia, exemplifying such characteristics as terraced layout, use of natural water features, a mix of exotic and indigenous planting, picturesque timber buildings and, sharing a characteristic of many Mount Macedon hill stations, having creators who were members of Victoria's scientific and cultural community;

- for its retention of many features from Lindt's ownership (1894-1926); these include a balance between forest and cleared land, mature tree plantings, terraced garden beds and paths, remnants of the lily pond, garden buildings, meadow planting of bulbs; and subsequent sympathetic planting by later owners;

- for its retention of a rustic lych gate, now a rare surviving nineteenth century Victorian example of such a structure;

- for several outstanding plants such as the Cryptomeria japonica 'Elegans' and Eucalyptus cypellocarpa, both listed on the National Trust's Register of Significant Trees of Victoria for their outstanding size;

- as a complementary setting for a house, studio and outbuildings of architectural and considerable historical significance;

- for its place in the history of Victorian tourism, being a major early site in the Healesville/Black Spur area.
Classified: 13/02/1991

File note 09/07/2012: G13051 amalgamated & filed with B2609.

Group