Westhill has high local significance as the oldest house on its original

site in Mt. Evelyn, with a long history that began with the construction

of Temora in about 1879. The property has historical significance for

its associations with a number of notable district residents including

the first owner, John Nicholson, pioneer selector; John Blyth, importer,

who renamed it Blythswood and was there from 1888 to 1908; and John

Alexander Ellis, commercial traveller, whose wife ran the guest house,

Pinemont, on the property during the First World War years. Westhill has

significance, too, for it's association in the 1950s with the Jermyns,

founding members of the Barn Theatre, which gave performances all over

the district.

The house from the former Temora property is located at 15 Lara Court. Associated features, including mature trees associated with the pre-1950s garden and orchard are located on 1, 2 and 3 Lara Court. The house is a single storey timber building, generally rectangular in plan, with a hipped roof. The historical research records that only the front rooms survived the 1952 fire. The overall form of the house is, however, characteristically nineteenth century in form. The front door is located on the side of the house, reflecting the subdivision of the once larger property. It is an elaborate door, with side and highlight windows. Beside the main entry are tall, double-hung sash windows and on the northern side are two large bay windows. The house has a verandah on all sides.

Physical Conditions: Excellent

Integrity: Evidence of stages