LUNAN HOUSE
24 LUNAN AVENUE DRUMCONDRA, Greater Geelong City
Victorian Heritage Register
Statement of Significance
Last updated on - July 29, 1999
Lunan House on the Drumcondra shores of Corio Bay, Geelong, was built for James Strahan, a pioneer woolbroker in 1849-50. Charles Laing, architect and surveyor, designed this spacious two storey colonial Georgian style residence as an axial composition with central Doric portico, Georgian casement sashes and simple parapet cornice. Barrabool freestone was used as ashlar cladding on a rubble stone carcass. In the 19th century ornate iron gates fronted the sweeping driveway entrance.
Lunan House was named after the Muir of Lunan near Montrose, Scotland, the birthplace of James Strahan. This substantial early mansion house is a notable work of architect Charles Laing and a very early example of the use of Barrabool sandstone for ashlar construction. James Strahan was one of Geelong's first settlers and most distinguished citizens, being a member of Victoria's first legislative council in 1851 and prominent in public issues until his death in 1875. The iron gates are now located at Geelong Grammar School.
Lunan House was for many years used as a teacher's college by the education department of Victoria. The interior has been completely rearranged, the original details altered and the exterior freestone fabric inappropriately painted. The essential detail is intact.
[Source: Historic Buildings Council]
