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CALAMBEEN (house and garden)
a'Beckett Road BEACONSFIELD UPPER, Cardinia Shire

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Cardinia Shire
Calambeen
Calambeen
Calambeen
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Statement of Significance

Calambeen, constructed in 1888 for Thomas Mackley, solicitor, is significant to Cardinia Shire as an example of the villas in garden settings built for professional and businessmen and their families in resort areas during the 1880s boom years. The property has particular significance for its associations with a number of other distinguished owners. They included William Watt, MLA, and Victorian Premier and Treasurer, and Federal Treasurer in 1918-20; and J.M. Reed, Secretary for Lands who was also linked over a long period with tourism in the State.

It has historical significance as a surviving example of the rural retreats built in a district that became a popular resort area.

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    • Physical Description 1

      CALAMBEEN (house and garden) - Physical Description 1

      This verandahed house has a high hipped roof clad with corrugated iron and face brick chimneys (overpainted) with a corbelled cornice. The verandah balustrade has the saltire-cross set in a panel and the posts are stop-chamfered with moulded capitals at the bressumer connection point.

      Contributory to the house, the garden contains some large and mature camellias next to the verandah; a dressage area thought to be where the tennis court once was; large oaks and planes; Monterey cypress along the drive and an unusual palm.

      Physical Conditions

      CALAMBEEN (house and garden) - Physical Conditions

      Unrelated dormer windows have been added to the roof, the openings have been changed in detail and the chimney bricks painted.

      Historical Australian Themes

      CALAMBEEN (house and garden) - Historical Australian Themes

      Themes

      7.1 Gentlemen's rural retreats
      10.9 Holiday houses, gardens

      Physical Description 2

      CALAMBEEN (house and garden) - Physical Description 2

      Associations - Mackley, Thomas C; Watt, William; Reed, JM

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Cardinia - Cardinia Shire Heritage Study 1996

      Author: Graeme Butler & Associates
      Year: 1996
      Grading: Local

Public contributions

Note: Developments may span multiple time periods
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