What is significant? Burnham, 14 Grange Road, Toorak as designed by Robert B. Hamilton and constructed in 1932-3, is significant. The significant attributes are the Old English style form, materials and detailing of the flats and garages, front and side brick fences. The high level of external intactness and wide range of decorative and quirky detailing that is typical of Hamilton including uniquely designed screen doors with inset panels, the bracket with name plate and light fittings etc. are integral to the significance of the place.
Later alterations and additions are not significant.
How is it significant? Burnham is of local historic, architectural and aestheticsignificance to the City of Stonnington.
Why is it significant? Historically, it is significant as one of the first examples of the Old EnglishLuxury flat type designed by Robert Hamilton to resemble a large single-family home, an approachthat he would use in many of his subsequent developments. Hamilton was one of the most important and influential designers of Luxury flats in Toorak and South Yarra and this development of four large single-levelflats together with 'Haddon Hall', which is of a similar design, but comprising maisonettes demonstrate the two approaches used by Hamilton over the next decade either in separate buildings or in combination. (Criteria A, D & H)
Architecturally and aesthetically, Burnham is a highly accomplished and externally intact example of interwar flats designed in the Old English style. Details such as the fine brickwork, massive corbelled chimneys, and entrance gates with silhouette panels and lanterns, and brick fence all contribute to its significance. Also for its association with Robert Hamilton, Victoria's foremost practitioner of the inter-war Old English style. (Criteria E, F & H)