Malvern’s Gascoigne Estate

• see also post Art Nouveau in Malvern East

The first Urban Conservation Area in the former City of Malvern

GLENCAIRN, 11 Coppin Street MALVERN EAST	423 Wattletree Road MALVERN EAST
73 Finch Street MALVERN EAST	Tillbrook, 60 Tooronga Road Malvern Vic
107 Finch Street, Malvern East	107 Finch Street, Malvern East

Walk Into History 4-6 – City of Stonnington

Full Gascoigne Estate walk reproduced in the end notes below

73 Finch Street, Malvern East. Living room: Heritage-listed style meets big, modern spaces in this Edwardian family villa that sits on 860 landscaped square metres positioned for all stages of life.

“Some of Melbourne’s finest heritage houses”

“I knew little of the suburb until recently. A visit to the Gascoigne Estate impressed with its retention of some of the finest heritage houses I have seen.

• Beautiful tree lined streets with an enclosing leaf canopy. They don’t build houses like they use to. If you appreciate that sort of thing then you would enjoy a walk around this area.
• The original home of Royal Melbourne Golf Club. The original clubhouse still resides in Turner Street.”^[1]

The Gables Mansion and Gardens are open to the public for inspection from 12.00pm to 2.00pm most Saturdays.

Gascoigne Estate, East Malvern (Finch Street and Central Park Road)
The Gascoigne Estate, Malvern East (area bounded by Tooronga, Burke and Wattletree Roads and Coppin Street)^[2]

Rae Tomlinson, from Marshall White, says the area, developed in the 1880s, is like a prestigious housing estate. “Most of the houses are Edwardian with a couple of Victorians scattered in the estate so there is a consistency of build.”

• It has long, wide avenues, and
• Central Park, a large English common-style park, forms the heart of the close community.
• Price guide: $2 million to $4 million-plus.

Melbourne’s “private-school belt”

Having former prime minister Robert Menzies as one of its most famous residents helped cement Malvern’s reputation as a conservative and affluent enclave. Leafy streets laden with mansions also contribute to this image.

• A snapshot from the 2011 census confirms the median Malvern family weekly income of $2017 was almost double the Australian median at the time ($1481). The census also showed Malvern families were about three times as likely to have their children at a private school than the rest of Australia. Indeed, only 64 Malvern children were attending government secondary schools, according to the census.
• It is these figures that contribute to Malvern’s image as part of Melbourne’s “private-school belt”.

34 Finlayson Street. Malvern Vic

Glenferrie Road is the suburb’s spine and runs from Dandenong Road to Toorak Road – where the suburb is crowned by Sir Robert Menzies Reserve. High-quality shops line Glenferrie Road.

Glenferrie Rd, Malvern VIC 3144

Housing is generally Victorian and Edwardian, but the redevelopment surrounding the former Stonington mansion in Somers Avenue has given the suburb a modern edge.

• Locals like: Malvern Central has been redeveloped with a new David Jones store to open in September.
• Prospects: Excellent
• Where else you might try: Malvern East: A sprawling suburb, with the most sought-after area being Gascoigne Estate near Central Park.

14 Johnstone Street. Malvern Vic 3144

The merchant and professional classes established homes around Armadale and in the north-west around the Toorak Road-Glenferrie Road axis, but many lost their fortunes when the economy collapsed in the 1890s.

• Estates were subdivided and mansions were demolished or converted to institutional uses, some now housing independent schools.
• Stonnington, on Glenferrie Road, built in 1890 for Cobb & Co. partner Robert Wagner, survived and was leased from 1901 by the State Government, serving as Victoria’s Government House until 1931 and later becoming a teacher’s college then a campus of Deakin University.
• The 1890s depression also stalled the development of subdivision. With only seven houses by 1891, the Gascoigne estate in Malvern East became the home of the Melbourne Golf Club until the club moved to Black Rock in 1901.^[3]

Map for Central Park Malvern VIc

The Gascoigne Estate in East Malvern, has enjoyed disproportionately high growth in property values in recent years. It was the first Urban Conservation Area in the former City of Malvern and has subsequently achieved sale prices that outstrip those of similar suburbs nearby which have been allowed to evolve in response to market forces.

• Heritage Victoria has spent some time and effort tracking property values in areas of this type and has produced an authoritative paper confirming that this is the case more generally.
• The Heritage Victoria paper contradicts the frequently-heard assertion that heritage overlay controls exert downward pressures on property values.^[4]

Architects Ussher & Kemp

In 1899 a group of six substantial houses was erected in Finch Street to designs prepared by noted architects Ussher & Kemp for developer William Knox.
Architects Ussher & Kemp designed the Queen Anne style Thelema (33), Moanga (31), Ingleburn (27), Dunoon (25), Eblana (23) and Merridale (21) in 1899 for William Knox. Knox was elected to the first Australian Parliament in 1901, founding secretary of Broken Hill Proprietary Company (BHP) and Malvern Shire Councillor (1892-1895 & 1902-1910) & Shire President (1893-1895)^[5] .

Eblana (23) and Merridale (21)21-23 Finch Street Malvern streetview
Dunoon, 25 Finch Street Malvern streetview
Ingleburn, 27-29 Finch Street Malvern streetview (more photos below)
Thelema (33), Moanga (31)31-33 Finch Street Malvern streetview

• Another large house, ‘The Gables’ was built to the south of these in 1902, again to the designs by Ussher & Kemp (see below)
• These were in the new ‘Queen Anne’ mode, which with its red brick walls and timber fretwork contrasted substantially with the stuccoed Italianate of previous decades, and this new mode was to dominate the development of the area.

Central Park

CENTRAL PARK, EAST MALVERN heritage management planningWattletree and Bourke Roads, East Malvern, Victoria client City of Stonnington Established in 1906, Central Park combines a large sports oval with picturesque strolling gardens and is a well-used recreational facility for the surrounding community. A sunken garden and a fountain, and avenues of elms, are also features. The park has a significant conservatory that dates from the 1920s, which is included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Covering almost 19 acres, Central Park is decoratively embellished with avenue trees, shrubs and flowerbeds and adjoined by an open oval for cricket and other team sports. The park’s features include a bocce court, fun and fitness track and a playground. It is also home to one of the oldest conservatories in the state and with its original landscape features intact, it is one of only a handful of Edwardian public gardens in Victoria.

Entrance to Central Road Park-

Since it was acquired by Malvern City Council in 1906, Central Park has become a public garden of exceptional quality. The Park has remained faithful to the original design concept, although its history is one of evolution and change, right up to the present day.
Central Park was laid out in the same period as the Federation houses in the surrounding streets. The Park and its surrounds together form a consistent and highly attractive Edwardian era precinct.

The park is decoratively embellished with avenue trees, shrubs and flower beds, and adjoined by an open oval for cricket and other team sports. The park contains a fine and varied collection of trees. There are some excellent individual specimens and some trees date back to the initial plantings of 1908-10including many of the avenue elms.

• Further reading on the history of Central Park.
• Central Park is located at the corner of Wattletree and Burke Roads, Malvern East. Melway reference: 59 G10
• Central Park and its surrounding residential neighbourhood are subject to heritage protection.

The Gables, 15 Finch Street, East Malvern (1902-3)

The Gables – Malvern by Dean-Melbourne

Victorian treasures are an asset to all

Date: March 29, 2014 Kate Robertson

Cover property

73 Finch Street Malvern East
Price guide: $3.3 million+
This Edwardian villa has an enviable location, straddling the two premier streets of the coveted, heritage-listed Gascoigne Estate. Agent Rae Tomlinson says Central Park Road and Finch Street showcase the best streetscapes the estate has to offer, featuring Edwardian and Victorian homes on substantial allotments.

• “This home is on about 860 square metres, which means they don’t just have the internal space for living, but have plenty of room to enjoy the landscape as well.”
• The villa welcomes visitors via a wide verandah that wraps around the facade and leads to the generous entry and formal sitting room and an adjacent music room, both with open fireplaces.

The large master bedroom has ample storage with a walk-in robe as well as a built- in robe and en suite, and there is a large separate study close at hand.

• The open-plan kitchen and dining room is connected to a large living room with bar and gas open fireplace, with doors opening to the entertaining terrace with spa, and the expansive landscaped gardens. It also has a double carport, workshop and cellar.
• The home is within walking distance to Central Park and the Wattletree Road tram stop, primary schools and highly regarded private schools.
• “It’s got everything you would want for every stage of life, and it has the special ambience of the estate,” Tomlinson says. “It’s a perfect blending of the old and the new.” For private sale, Marshall White, 0418 336 234. More photos: Domain.com.au

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11 Coppin Street MALVERN EAST

GLENCAIRN,
Quintessential Gascoigne Character
All the elements that contribute to the Gascoigne Estate’s desirability as a family address are captured by GLENCAIRN, a stylish, substantial Federation era residence in which abundant natural light and exceptionally generous proportions from an unforgettable combination.

27-29 Finch Street Malvern East

Constructed in 1896, this Gascoigne Estate home stands proud on this ideal double block in the blue chip Finch Street. It has retained its period features while having undergone a meticulous restoration and extension providing the perfect collaboration of period elegance and modern comfort.
The ground floor offers a grand entrance hall, oversized family living room with open fireplace, and double French doors leading to the rear garden, modern state of the art kitchen with stone bench tops

38 Central Park Road Malvern East

“Carrigtohill” c1910
Tall Manchurian Pear trees frame this impressively renovated and extended two-storey Edwardian family residence showcasing a fine tuck-pointed brick façade and boasting a seamless blend of classic period features including ornate ceilings and leadlight windows.

60 Tooronga Road Malvern Vic 3144

“Tillbrook” family home in the heart of the Gascoigne Estate
This 1911 Queen Anne Federation home on an allotment of approx 11,000 sq ft of established grounds is surrounded by a 6 meter high hedging and has been meticulously restored to exacting standards. Located in the Gascoigne Estate.

73 Finch Street MALVERN EAST

A significant Gascoigne Estate property since its Federation era origins, this exceptional residence’s comprehensive renovation means consummate contemporary luxury now matches its classical aesthetic appeal on a prominent corner site.

423 Wattletree Road MALVERN EAST

Corner of Harold Avenue – Dorrington Estate Distinction On 1200 sq metres. Renowned for its significant period homes, wide tree lined boulevards and walking proximity to elite schools, Central Park and Wattletree Road trams, the magnificent Dorrington Estate has long been synonymous with prestigious family living. On Harold Street’s corner enjoying a northerly rear aspect, this superb c.1923 tuck pointed brick residence further cements such a premium reputation.

107 Finch Street, Malvern East

Sold for $2,700,000 in 21 Sep 2013 (Auction)
Gracious Edwardian, Gascoigne Prestige
In one of the Gascoigne Estate’s premier streets, this distinguished solid brick Edwardian residence has outstanding proportions and captivating elegance through previously architect renovated spaces provides.
Impressive pressed metal ceilings adorn the welcoming entrance hall, refined study (OFP) and beautiful sitting room both also featuring elegant bay windows.

MALVERN EAST 12 Serrell Street

MALVERN EAST 12 Serrell Street

MALVERN EAST 12 Serrell Street

MALVERN EAST 12 Serrell Street

MALVERN EAST 12 Serrell Street

MALVERN EAST 12 Serrell Street

MALVERN EAST 12 Serrell Street

– from Australian Property Investor – July 2001 Page 86

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Publications:

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Federation Markers:

A mark in time, Stonnington Federation Markers Project. City of Stonnington.

Illustrated booklet offering details of 47 historic sites of interest in the City of Stonnington. (Malvern sites listed below) Plaques or interpretive boards have been placed at most sites. Research was carried out by the Local History Officers at Stonnington History Centre.
Names:‘Heathfield’ / Malvern Star Bicycle / Malvern Baby Health Centre /Glenferrie Road / High Street / Malvern Town Hall / South Yarra – Caulfield Railway Station / Malvern Hill Hotel / Williams, Fred / Higgins, Henry (Judge) / ‘Stonington’ / Lucas, Dudley / Malvern Municipal Band /Malvern’s Oldest School/ Pockett, Thomas / Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre / Harold Holt Pool / Menzies, Robert Gordon /Duldig, Karl / Chitty’s Timber Yard / Knox, William / East Malvern Service Homes Estate / Malvern Valley Golf Course / Chadstone Shopping Centre / Holmesglen Housing Factory

Gascoigne Estate

• Burke Road,
• Coppin St,
• Finch St,
• Anderson St,
• Wattletree Road

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Gascoigne & Waverley Estates, Malvern East.pdf – City of **…**

http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/DownloadDocument.ashx?DocumentID…GASCOIGNE AND WAVERLEY ESTATES. URBAN CONSERVATION AREA. ” PREPARED ON BEHALF OF THE crrY OF STONNINGTOH. DECEMBER 1994.[PDF]

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Attachment G Author Qualifications – City of Stonnington

http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/DownloadDocument.ashx?DocumentID…in 199l.’Bryce Raworth Pty Ltd, Conservation’Urban Design, provides a range of heritage …. Conservation Area and the Gascoigne and Waverley Estates. Urban …

• Appendix – notes on the individual properties
• Stonnington City Council meeting 1995
• Background documentation in support of the proposed Gascoigne and Waverley Estates urban Conservation area 1994
• City of Stonnington Amendment L30 – Gascoigne Estate – introduction of Conservation Controls 1995

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History of Gascoigne Estate, East Malvern

The character of the Gascoigne and Waverley estates area derives from its development in the Federation and inter-war periods, but the history of the site begins several decades before this.

• The area is located in Crown Allotments 74,75 and 77 to 86 in the Parish of Prahran, originally sold in 1857. A track leading from Melbourne to Dandenong ran diagonally across the site at this time. Part of Finch Street was formed in 1860, but the land remained undeveloped until 1879, when the railway link between Oakleigh and South Yarra opened.
• This provided a ready means of access to and from the general area by means of the Caulfield Station to the south of Dandenong Road. By 1880 a small number of houses were under construction and Finch Street, Coppin Street, Kerferd Road, Beaver Street and Central Park Road (then known as Hunter Street) had been gazetted.

Over the next five years much of the land was consolidated into a single ownership, and in March 1885 the Gascoigne Estate (a subdivision of Crown Allotments 79 to 82) was offered for sale by the Gascoigne Land Company.

• This area included the allotments of Coppin Street, the east side of Tooronga Road, the south side of Hunter Street (later Central Park Road), and the west side of Burke Road. In November 1885 the Gascoigne Extension was offered for sale, comprising Crown Allotments 83 to 86 and including Anderson Street, the north end of Finch Street, Belson Street, Nott Street, Kingston Street and the land now occupied by Central Park but at this stage subdivided into suburban allotments.
• Manning Road, Bates Street, Epping Street, Turner Street and Douglas Street were created in 1890, and in 1891 the Waverley Estate was offered for sale. This estate was adjacent and to the south of the Gascoigne Estate, and comprised the area bounded by Coppin Street, the east side of Finch Street, Waverley Road and the west side of Burke Road.

By February 1886 seventeen houses had been erected in the southern section of Gascoigne Estate. But, as with many outer suburban subdivisions during the period of Melbourne’s great land boom, development remained slow, and was brought to a standstill by the dreadful depression of the early 1890s.

• Quick to take advantage of the hiatus was the Melbourne Golf Club, later the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Much of the land was taken over for a golf course in June 1891, the contractors Finlay & Conacher having laid out the links in a matter of weeks. A clubhouse was established in an unoccupied Italianate villa at 16 Turner Street and another empty house across the street was used by the associates and caddies. When the Royal Melbourne Golf Club removed to its present home at Sandringham in 1901, the course was taken over by Caulfield (later Metropolitan) Golf Club, but the course was abandoned to domestic development when that Club also moved on in 1907.
• In 1899 a group of six substantial houses was erected in Finch Street to designs prepared by noted architects Ussher & Kemp for developer William Knox. Another large house, ‘The Gables’ was built to the south of these in 1902, again to the designs by Ussher & Kemp. These were in the new ‘Queen Anne’ mode, which with its red brick walls and timber fretwork contrasted substantially with the stuccoed Italianate of previous decades, and this new mode was to dominate the development of the area. This side of Finch Street was not part of the Gascoigne or Waverley subdivisions per se, but faced on to the Waverley Estate and its buildings contribute significantly to that character of the area and helped greatly in setting the elegant suburban cachet of the area.

Link to Malvern Historical Newsletters

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Local History Catalogue

 2. 12 great walks in Stonnington Stonnington City Council. Books 1998

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//Walk into History 4// which includes a walk through the Waverley and Gascoigne Estates, Malvern East, can be viewed on the Stonnington History Centre page

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1. ^ http://www.homely.com.au/malvern-east-stonnington-melbourne-greater-victoria
2. ^ http://home.vicnet.net.au/~malvern/newsletters/news_17.pdf
3. ^ http://www.emelbourne.net.au/biogs/EM00891b.htm
4. ^
   

   Attachment 4, C112 – Heritage response (329.06 KB)

   http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/DownloadDocument.ashx?DocumentID..

5. ^

   Walk into History 6, Gascoigne & Waverley 6Estates, East Malvern.
   Di Foster and Steve Stefanopoulos, Malvern Historical Society
   Paragraph 15, page 43