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The Briars (Landscape)

Location

450 Nepean Hwy, MOUNT MARTHA VIC 3934 - Property No L10039

File Number

L10039

Level

Regional

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L10039 The Briars Mt Martha
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L10039 The Briars Mt Martha
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L10039 The Briars Mt Martha
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L10039 The Briars Mt Martha

Statement of Significance

"The Briars" is of regional and State significance being a fine example of an early pastoral property, with its homestead, garden, orchard, farm buildings and related rural lands and having both aesthetic and historic significance. The occupation by the pioneers Captain James Reid (1840-1846) and Alexander Beatson Balcombe (1846-1874) is of particular significance as is the continuing association with the Balcombe family, which provided continuity of farming practice and preservation of much of the historic character.

The Ornamental Garden:
The Garden contains historic plantings including both bush and climbing roses, old varieties of Camelia japonica, clipped Buxus specimens, and a number of other ornamental trees and shrubs.

The Orchard:
The Orchard contains some old and rare varieties of fruit trees including pear, mulberry and ancient olive trees. There are two major areas planted for fruit trees, the first to the east of the house beyond the kitchen garden area, and a larger area to the north-west of the house, which is possibly a later planting.

Functional & Aesthetic Plantings:
An avenue of conifers and several stands of elm planted along the old drive still remain. In the area between the work sheds and the house there is a windbreak planting of predominantly conifers and also parts of the original hawthorn hedges which defined the paddock boundaries.

The Driveway:
From the drive, as it approaches and passes through the garden to the homestead, views of the Broadacres and in particular of the Creek, Valley floor and slopes are obtained.

LOCATION / BOUNDARIES:

Shire of Mornington.

The property is located on the eastern side of the Nepean Highway near Mt Martha, just south of the intersection with Craigie Road, and predominantly extends south of Balcombe Creek.

The area Classified includes "The Briars" homestead, garden and farm buildings (8 ha) and a part of the larger farm unit known as "The Briars" Broadacres.

Group