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'Lawn House' (Former)
92 Esplanade WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Williamstown Beach Heritage Precinct

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Hobsons Bay City
House at 92 Esplanade WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
House at 92 Esplanade WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
House at 92 Esplanade WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay Heritage Study 2006
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Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The former 'Lawn House', designed and constructed by John Garnsworthy in 1889-90, at 92 Esplanade, Williamstown.

How is it Significant?

The former 'Lawn House' at 92 Esplanade, Williamstown is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobson's Bay.

Why is it Significant?

Historically, 'Lawn House' is significant as a representative example of the large maritime villas that were erected along the Esplanade and The Strand in Williamstown during the late nineteenth century. It is also significant for its associations with John Garnsworthy who was a prominent contractor and politician in Williamstown. It is also of interest for its later maritime connections, which is typical of residences along the Esplanade. (AHC criteria A4 and G1)

Aesthetically, 'Lawn House' is significant as a locally rare and near original example of an elaborately detailed Italianate villa, which expresses the importance of its original owner. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)

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    • Physical Description 1

      'Lawn House' (Former) - Physical Description 1

      'Lawn House' at 92 Esplanade, Williamstown is a double-bay fronted polychrome brick Italianate villa with a slated, hip roof and a return cast-iron verandah which is bayed, around the windows, and gabled over the entrance. Bands of cream and black bricks, cream bay walls and quoins are set against the brown body brick. Typical panelled side and top lights enrich the entrance and there is a Gothic arched window in the verandah end.

      Alterations to the original fabric include:

      - The replacement of the original front fence (described as being of capped vertical boarding with an iron frieze over) with the present iron picket fence, with a carriage gate pair to one side.

      - The replacement of lions with urns at the verandah entrance.

      - The removal of the frieze from the verandah (may have since been restored?)

      - The removal of a once impressive metal framed, blue glass conservatory has been removed from the east side.

      The trim colours are sympathetic to the general period but not to the specific house. Of note is that, like No. 14, the sunflower pattern frieze was painted naturalistically; a three tier fountain with a figure once was located in the garden as were two statuettes (lions) on either side of the steps.

      Integrity

      'Lawn House' (Former) - Integrity

      External integrity and condition

      Integrity - Moderate. Condition - Good.

      Physical Description 2

      'Lawn House' (Former) - Physical Description 2

      Context

      Although somewhat isolated, it is one of a number of late nineteenth and early twentieth century maritime villas on the Esplanade.

      Historical Australian Themes

      'Lawn House' (Former) - Historical Australian Themes

      Making suburbs

      Physical Description 3

      'Lawn House' (Former) - Physical Description 3

      Associations

      John Garnsworthy, Captain D. Doughton, James T Gray

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study

      Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
      Year: 2006
      Grading:

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