KAMESBURGH
74-104 NORTH ROAD BRIGHTON, BAYSIDE CITY
Statement of Significance
What is significant?
Kamesburgh (Anzac Hostel) is a large two storey, rendered brick, Italianate mansion set in an extensive formal garden. The internal decorative scheme which is now almost totally covered by later layers of paint was the work of the Paterson brothers. There is a gate lodge beside the formal entrance gateway and a long wrought iron and bluestone fence on North Road. The original stables still exist. Kamesburgh was built in 1874 for businessman William Kerr Thomson by builder David Mitchell to the design of architect Lloyd Tayler. The property was bought by the Repatriation Department in 1919 with a gift of £25000 from the Baillieu brothers for the care of severely incapacitated soldiers. In this period the building was converted with the addition of a lift and an enlargement of the service wings. The Repatriation Department also constructed an occupational therapy building (the day centre) and a mortuary. Anzac Hostel has continued to provide care for disabled servicemen continuously since 1919.
How is it significant?
Kamesburgh (Anzac Hostel) is architecturally, historically and socially important to the State of Victoria.
Why is it significant?
Kamesburgh (Anzac Hostel) is architecturally significant as a fine example of an Italianate mansion with Renaissance/Classical overtones set on an unusually large suburban block and in a finely designed formal garden. It is the most important extant residential work of the noted Victorian architect Lloyd Tayler. It is important for the probable existence under later layers of paint of a rare hand painted decorative scheme by the Paterson brothers, a small fragment of which remains visible in the boudoir. There is a remarkable disappearing wall in the library, as well as unusual vented cornices.
Kamesburgh (Anzac Hostel) is also of architectural interest for the sensitive manner in which it was adapted for use as a hostel for incapacitated soldiers without disturbing the significant fabric to any great degree.
Kamesburgh (Anzac Hostel) is historically and socially important for its associations with William Kerr Thomson, a partner in James McEwan and Sons and a prominent Brighton citizen. It is even more important for its early, long and continuing associations with the care of veterans incapacitated by war service. In this regard it is important also for its associations with the Baillieu brothers, principally William Lawrence Baillieu, whose donation of £25000 was the largest Australian philanthropic gift for veterans of the First World War.
-
-
-
-
ST JAMES CHURCH AND PRESBYTERY
Victorian Heritage Register H0748 -
SECCULL HOUSE
Victorian Heritage Register H2406
-
THE PINES
Victorian Heritage Register H2364
-
'Boonderoo', House and Outbuildings
Greater Bendigo City -
'Riverslea' house
Greater Bendigo City
-
1 Adam Street
Yarra City
-
-
