Laurence Park
125 Buckingham Street LARA, GREATER GEELONG CITY
-
Add to tour
You must log in to do that.
-
Share
-
Shortlist place
You must log in to do that.
- Download report
Statement of Significance
LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE
What is Significant?
"Laurence Park" and the stone stables ruins at 125 Buckingham Street, Lara, have significance for their associations with one of Lara's pioneers, David McHarry (c.1834-1910), who by 1870 had established a successful lime burning business at a time when a burgeoning lime industry had formed at Lara, given the high demand for the material and the complementary reports on the quality of the local lime in contemporary newspapers. In 1874-75, it appears that McHarry constructed the existing cottage and stone stables ruins where he continued his lime burning interests as well as farming. The existing cottage and stone stables ruins are a tangible legacy of the success of McHarry's business life. Although the cottage has been altered and extended, the significant associations with David McHarry are embodied in the original Victorian era fabric. This includes the front gable roof forms, single storey height, rendered limestone wall construction with face brick quoinwork, rendered chimneys, front verandah, and the front door opening and flanking timber framed double hung windows. The stone stables ruins and the mature peppercorn trees also contribute to the significance of the place. The dwelling appears to be in good condition when viewed from the street. The dwelling is also one of a small number of surviving Victorian vernacular styled dwellings in the Lara area, all of which have experienced alterations.
Why is it Significant?
"Laurence Park" and stone stables ruins at 125 Buckingham Street, Lara, are historically significant at a LOCAL level.
How is it Significant?
"Laurence Park" and the stone stables ruins at 125 Buckingham Street, Lara, are historically significant for its associations with David McHarry, pioneer of Lara who established an enduring farm and lime burning business from 1870 (Criteria A & H). McHarry (c.1834-1910), was a farmer and a lime burner whose success was reported in Victoria and Its Metropolis in 1888. He was one of the early lime burners who capitalised on the burgeoning industry at Lara in the 19th century that became well-known for the quality of lime. In addition to his business commitments, McHarry also contributed much to community life at Lara. He was a Councillor with the Corio Shire Council in 1881-1889 and 1900-1903, an inaugural Trustee of the Lara Recreation Reserve in 1880 and in 1886 he donated the land for the construction of the Lara Public Hall. He appears to have built his limestone dwelling and outbuildings (including the surviving stables ruins) in 1874-75.
-
-
Laurence Park - Physical Description 1
DESCRIPTION
"Laurence Park" at 125 Buckingham Street, Lara, is set on a contextually large rectangular allotment in a landscaped setting of mature peppercorn and gum trees and an introduced formal garden of circular paths, open grassed areas and perimeter plantings. The front garden of the cottage is also bound by an introduced timber post and woven fence. A recent raised garden bed framed by a timber retaining wall is located outside the front fence. Flanking the front fence of the garden are high corrugated sheet metal boundary fences. To the east of the cottage is a remnant limestone stables outbuilding (the gable roof having collapsed in recent years), together another gabled galvanised steel outbuilding. Smaller outbuildings are situated to the rear (south) of these outbuildings. A gabled garage has also been constructed towards the south-west of the cottage, with what appears to be remnant limestone walling of an earlier building integrated into the structure.
Of particular interest is the single storey, symmetrical, rendered limestone, Victorian vernacular styled "Laurence Park" cottage. It has an original gable roof form that traverses the site, with a rear gabled wing that appears to be early. At the front is a hipped concave verandah supported by timber posts with decorative iron valances and brackets. The timber posts appear to have been introduced as possible replacement of the original posts. Other early features of the design include the corbelled brick chimneys with terra cotta pots, face brick quoinwork to the building corners and window and door openings, and the timber framed double hung window. The front four panelled timber door has introduced glazing in the upper panels.
At the rear of the cottage are a range of skillion and gabled additions, terminating at the east end by a hipped roofed pavilion featuring a hipped monitor light.
Heritage Study and Grading
Greater Geelong - Lara Heritage Review Phase 2
Author: D. Rowe & W. Jacobs
Year: 2013
Grading:
-
-
-
-
-
65 BUCKINGHAM STREET, LARAVictorian Heritage Inventory
-
Laurence ParkGreater Geelong City
-
-