'SASSAFRASS'
13 Mangarra Road CANTERBURY, BOROONDARA CITY
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Statement of Significance
What is Significant?
Sassafrass, a Victorian timber house built in 1890 at 13 Mangarra Road for musician Christopher Alger, is significant
How is it significant?
13 Mangarra Road is of local historic (associational) and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.
Why is it significant?
Sassafras at 13 Mangarra Road, built in 1890 for musician Christopher Alger is aesthetically significant for its exceptionally fine timber detailing and unusually shaped front bay window applied to a typical Victorian timber block-fronted residence. Particular features of significance include the variation on the shape of the traditional bay window of four facets rather than the more traditional five, and the double row of finely dentillated and scalloped mouldings that decorate the eaves line of the window and match with that of the fascia to the front gable. Despite additions to the house at the side and rear, these particular features are still intact. (Criterion E)
Sassafrass at 13 Mangarra Road is historically significant as the home of musicians, particularly the acclaimed violinist Gertrude Alger who was brought up in the house belonging to her father musician Christopher Alger, and remained there until 1931. Gertrude's musical career took her outside Australia and to the UK where she studied and performed from 1906-1910. She performed as a soloist in concerts in Camberwell and elsewhere, as well as providing music lessons from her home. (Criteria A & H)
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'SASSAFRASS' - Physical Description 1
A timber double fronted asymmetrical timber block-fronted Victorian residence, set behind an established garden and new but sympathetic timber picket fence with reproduction cast iron capitals. A hipped and gabled roof is clad in slate. Two cement rendered chimneys have deep corbelling and a string line moulding part way down. Metal chimney flues are a later addition.
Detailing on the front elevation is of a high standard and distinguishes this house from others of a similar era and style. Detailing includes: timber block walls with pyramidal quoining at edges, a dentillated fascia all around, timber finial to gable, chamfered timber verandah posts with cast iron capitals and elaborate cast iron frieze. A bay window projects from the gable with a pitched slate roof. It is unusual in shape - a variation of the typical half octagonal bay. Sides project from the main facade at right angles and two angled faces meet across the front. A high plastered arch is visible to the interior of the bay. Two rows of scalloped timber mouldings and a further row of dentillated fascia is run around the top of the bay.
Modern additions include an addition to the southern side, a large rear flat roofed extension has been added across the back of the house and a car port has been added on the northern side of the property.
Heritage Study and Grading
Boroondara - Municipal-Wide Heritage Gap Study: Vol. 1 Canterbury
Author: Context
Year: 2018
Grading: Local
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PARLINGTONVictorian Heritage Register H0731
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FROGNALLVictorian Heritage Register H0707
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SECOND CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTISTVictorian Heritage Register H1196
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"1890"Yarra City
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"AMF Officers" ShedMoorabool Shire
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"AQUA PROFONDA" SIGN, FITZROY POOLVictorian Heritage Register H1687
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"1890"Yarra City
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'BRAESIDE'Boroondara City
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'ELAINE'Boroondara City
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