The property at 1/33-61 Edinburgh Road, Lilydale (otherwise known as Towri) is significant. Specifically, the form, scale and detailing of the interwar era stone building is of local significance. The surrounding school grounds, along with later alterations and additions, are not significant.

Towri is of local historical, rarity and aesthetic significance to the township of Lilydale and Yarra Ranges Council more broadly.

Towri is a double-storey interwar residence with below ground cellar built with Prairie style derived elements.

 

Towri has historical significance as a former residence owned and inhabited by Dora Lempriere, sister of renowned opera singer Dame Nellie Melba, and Helen Lempriere, a successful Australian painter, sculptor, and printmaker. As Towri’s grounds were formerly part of Cave Hill Estate, it is also historically associated with Dora Lempriere and Dame Nellie Melba’s father David Mitchell, a prominent local citizen, businessman and pioneer who spearheaded lime production in Lilydale.

 

Towri has rarity value as a Prairie style design that is more commonly found in the architect-designed houses of inner eastern Melbourne.

 

Towri is aesthetically significant as a visually striking two-storey interwar era Prairie style derived residence built of limestone. Key features contributing to its aesthetic value include its distinct limestone materiality, imposing massing, visually prominent chimney, strong horizontal lines and shallow pitched hipped roof with overhanging eaves. These elements combine to create an unusual but visually prominent residence characterised by emerging Modernist designed trends and locally sourced materials.