In 1910 the Seventh-day Adventist church established a health

sanitarium at Warburton and as patronage grew it was moved the present

site in 1912 where a new building was constructed. Tree planting in

the grounds using exotic ornamental species was also commenced at this

time. As the centre continued to grow in popularity the original 1912

building was extended and new buildings were added. The sanitarium

specialised in the holistic practices developed by Dr John Harvey

Kellogg in the United States and, although all branches of medicine

were embraced, the emphasis was on fresh air, sunshine, exercise, rest

and diet, and hydrotherapy was an important part of the service

offered. The church sold the property in 2000 and ceased operations in

early 2001. The following buildings and features contribute to the

significance of the place.

. The original 1912 building, as extended during the 1930s.

. The Barkley Bell building, constructed c.1962.

. The Hydrotherapy building, constructed in 1959.

. Pine Lodge.

. The two houses in Upper Blackwood Avenue.

. The mature exotic trees across the site.

Buildings other than specified above do not contribute to the

significance of the place.

It is historically significant for its association with the

development of Warburton. It operated as a health care centre for

nearly ninety years and is one of three major sites that demonstrate

the decisive influence the Seventh-day Adventists had on the

development of Warburton. It is also significant for its association

with the growth of health resorts and associated nature tourism

accommodation in Victoria during the early twentieth century. It

reflects the historical view of the health benefits of resorts in

mountain areas, which were made accessible through the development of

the country rail network. Many people associated with the church were

employed at the complex and the houses in Upper Blackwood Avenue are

representative of housing constructed in the surrounding area for

staff and members of the congregation. (Criterion A)

It is of aesthetic significance for the picturesque landscape

character created by the mature trees. Though the buildings have been

altered, the way in which they respond to their setting also

contributes to the aesthetic qualities of the place. Together, the

buildings and mature trees are a landmark within the local area.

(Criterion E)

It is associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as a place

that demonstrates the early development of the church in Victoria and

its close connections to the Warburton area. The rural setting

reflects the holistic health philosophy that is a defining aspect of

the Seventh-day Adventist Church and provides some insight into the

historical importance of the church's missionary work and its role in

the development of the Australian health industry.