House at 27 Esplanade
27 Esplanade WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Williamstown Beach Heritage Precinct
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Statement of Significance
The Fearon Reserve, including the four Aleppo Pines and the remnant Cypress hedge, established c.1900 and the former Tennis Pavilion constructed in 1928 at the Fearon Reserve, 27 Esplanade, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The Fearon Reserve is of local historic, aesthetic and scientific (horticultural) significance to the City of Hobson's Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, the Fearon Reserve is one of the earliest recreational areas established in Williamstown and the Aleppo pines and the Cypresses are associated with the early period of its development as well as illustrating Victorian planting fashions and the early planted landscape at the reserve. The Tennis Pavilion demonstrates the continued development of the reserve during the Interwar period. (AHC criterion A4)
Aesthetically, the unusual form of the pines, shaped by the offshore winds, is an important and distinctive element of the landscape character of the reserve and relates to the nearby significant pinetum in the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, as well as other conifer plantings throughout this area. (AHC criterion E1)
Scientifically, the Aleppo Pines are of horticultural interest as rare mature examples of this species (AHC criterion B2).
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House at 27 Esplanade - Physical Description 1
Four Aleppo pines are located on the north and west edges of the Fearon Reserve, being typically 14-15m high. These species are rare. Examples of Monterey cypress Cupressus macrocarpa horizontalis (Lambert type) are located nearby, appearing to be what remains of a hedge.
Botanica (1997) provides the following descriptions:
Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine)
From the eastern Mediterranean area, this pine is the most resistant to dry conditions, in fact tolerating most conditions except severe frost when young. Fast growing to 50 ft (15 m), it has a spreading crown and a distinctive rugged character. The young bark is ash gray, but ages to reddish brown. The soft, light green needles are 4 in (10 cm) long and are usually carried in pairs; the 3-4 in (8-10 cm) cones are reddish brown'.
Cupressus macrocarpa varieties (Monterey cypress )
Endemic to a very short stretch of the central Californian coast near Monterey, this grows into one of the largest of all cypresses, reaching 120 ft (36 m) tall with a trunk diameter of 8 ft (2.4 m). When planted in a grove it forms a tall, straight trunk, but in the open in good soil it branches low with massive, spreading limbs, producing a broad, dense crown of deep green with a rather spiky outline. Close up, the foliage is rather coarse, and it has a slightly sour smell when bruised. The cones are large and wrinkled. It thrives best in cool but mild climates with winter rainfall and takes only 10 years or so to form a dense 30-40 ft (9-12 m) tree. Golden cultivars include 'Brunniana', somewhat columnar, the foliage ageing almost green; the vigorous 'Aurea', with long, golden spikes of foliage spreading almost horizontally; and 'Aurea Saligna' with remarkable weeping, gold-tipped branchlets and elongated scale leaves. A lower-growing cultivar to 4 ft (1.2 m) is 'Greenstead Magnificent', which spreads to form a flat-topped, dense mat of pale gray-green foliage, drooping around the edges; as the plant ages the whole becomes raised above the ground on a short trunk. 'Goldcrest' is a small conical form with golden foliage.
The tennis courts have been removed, however, the 1928 Tennis Pavilion remains, but has been altered to face east toward the playing fields.
House at 27 Esplanade - Integrity
Condition
Varies - generally fair to good.
House at 27 Esplanade - Physical Description 2
Context
Relates to nearby conifer group at the Williamstown Botanic Gardens and adds Victorian-era character to the adjacent Osborne Street residential area.
House at 27 Esplanade - Historical Australian Themes
Developing Cultural Institutions and Ways of Life
House at 27 Esplanade - Physical Description 3
Associations
City of Williamstown
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading: Local
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WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
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FORMER PRESBYTERIAN MANSEVictorian Heritage Register H0229
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TIDE GAUGE HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H1513
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