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Former Surveyor's Office
178 High Street, HEATHCOTE VIC 3523 - Property No 204257

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Greater Bendigo City
178 High Street, Heathcote
178 High Street, Heathcote
178 High Street, Heathcote
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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The buildings and surroundings at 178 -180 High Street are significant. This includes the 1853 stone building, the weatherboard additions c.1870 and the two storey tower room added c.1907. The garden curtilage including the mature trees and orchard is also of significance. 
The timber outbuilding used as a barn and garage is also significant.

How is it significant?
178-180 High Street, Heathcote is potentially of significance to the state of Victoria

Why is it significant?
The house Helenslee is historically significant for its associations with the government administration in Heathcote as office of the government surveyor from 1853 until 1861. The additions constructed c.1870 are significant for associations with prominent Heathcote merchant and businessman Frederick Spinks. The further additions in 1890 and 1907 are historically significant for their associations with the medical profession in Heathcote, firstly Dr Alfred Esler , Dr James Owen, Dr Noel Bull, Dr J.C.Spencer and Dr Speed. Criterion A
Helenslee has aesthetic significance for its demonstration of Classical architecture in the design of the 1853 building by James Crowle, particularly in the design of windows, doors and chimneys, and in the high quality of the stonemasonry. It is a rare example of a government building dating from the 1850s, demonstrating a superior design and construction. The additions, although in a very different style, demonstrate a flamboyance, particularly in the construction of the tower. The whole allotment is significant for its large size and retention of many features including trees, fencing, outbuildings and the remnants of a garden. Criterion E
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    • Physical Description 1

      Former Surveyor's Office - Physical Description 1

      178-180 High Street was developed in three major stages including the 1853 Surveyor's Office, an extension prior to 1890, and a further extension of the house prior to 1907. It is likely that the single storey timber wing was added c.1890 and the idiosyncratic tower c.1907.

      The Survey Office is a classical sandstone stone building with a combination of arch headed and square headed windows. The walling is in random rubble but window and door openings have smooth ashlar dressings. The quoining is done in a similar manner. This building displays characteristics of early public buildings in the quality of design and finish.

      Some of the windows appear to be original and display finely detailed glazing bars, including a semi-circular fanlight. The chimneys are also of stone and have chimney pots, one of which is on the ground.

      The extension undertaken c.1890 appears to have added a number of rooms in timber frame and weatherboard cladding. This has been designed in a manner that reflects the prevailing domestic architecture of the time, although it does display some unusual timber detailing to the porch and tower.

      Physical Conditions

      Former Surveyor's Office - Physical Conditions

      Fair

      Integrity

      Former Surveyor's Office - Integrity

      Altered

      Historical Australian Themes

      Former Surveyor's Office - Historical Australian Themes

      6 Building towns, cities and the garden state

      6.5 Living in country towns

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Greater Bendigo - Former Shires of McIvor and Strathfieldsaye Heritage Study

      Author: Context P/L
      Year: 2008
      Grading: State

Public contributions

Note: Developments may span multiple time periods
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