Requiem for Spurling House

Requiem: Spurling House, 38 Black Street Brighton

38 Black Street, Brighton

Destroyed by a suspicious fire on the morning of 31 October 2015, Spurling House, originally known as ‘Purno’ was designed and built in 1888 by Sydney architect (Canadian born) John Horbury Hunt and was commissioned by Miss Spurling.

• “It was a building of paramount architectural importance. The house probably stands alone as stylistically the most innovative building in Victoria built during the nineteenth century.”
• “Although based strongly on contemporary American styles this house ignores conventional detailing and develops a new Picturesque idiom at a time when the Classical revival was overwhelming. The house was also one of Hunt’s most important works.” (Australian Heritage) See also description on page Arts and Crafts Housing in Australia: Spurling House, Brighton, Vic

Disaster! Toorak residents furious as developer begins demolition of $18.5m mansion

• See page Latest Heritage Threat
• Full story, see page St Georges Road Mansion, Toorak

16 St Georges Road, Toorak

The shell of the Queen Anne home with work equipment left idle.

Oct 21, 2015 Emily Power Prestige reporter
$18.5 million mansion destroyed; A historic mansion is torn down in Toorak. Video by Emily Power and Kirsten Robb.

Open for Inspection:

31 Telegraph Road Pymble

53 Telegraph Road, Pymble

6 Black Street, Brighton

191 George Street, Launceston

• 69 Ramsay Street, Haberfield NSW 2045
• 288 Kensington Road Leabrook SA 5068
• Sandon, 31 Telegraph Road Pymble, & Redriff, 53 Telegraph Road Pymble
  (both by appointment, $$$, both State Heritage listed in a street of over 15 Heritage listed properties)

• 6 Black Street Brighton Vic 3186

• Hargate, 191 George Street Launceston Tas 7250