A fine and authentic example of high Art Deco Australian Prairie School Architecture.
From the office of Walter Burley Griffin and bearing the hallmarks of his design style, this striking dual entry 1926 building offers huge potential as a unique residence, professional suites or luxury apartments. (STCA.)

High quality original fittings extend throughout, including arts & craft wainscoting, picture rails and distinctive plaster formwork.
Solid Australian hardwood doors echo the geometric styling of its day, also to be found in a superb Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired ballroom fireplace (complete with original tiling).

Take entrance one to the gallery level terrace where a huge cantilever roof creates a sense of unbridled space soaring over leafy Rochester Road.
You can almost hear the champagne glasses clinking as a light evening breeze rustles the planter-box leaves.

Mountain Ash floorboards extend through the imposing entry to a sophisticated dining and entertainment space.
A recessed ceiling, alcoves and small buttress closets characterise Burley Griffin’s architectural style.
Here you will find a comfortable master and second bedroom (currently utilised for dressing) and bathroom.

An upstairs sunroom extension simply flooded with light harmonises perfectly with the main building and is bridged by a comfy nook (with clever glass treatment) to the sizeable kitchen (complete with cavernous walk in pantry) and meals area with internal stairs.
Entrance two unveils a versatile living space and impressive original Art Deco hearth.
The substantial living area is serviced by a rear bathroom and utility area.
3 bright, spacious bedrooms with pleasing Prairie School features like the panelled under-stair alcove, high ceilings and picture rails share a second bathroom.
All include BIR and Bedroom 4 offers separate entry to the private rear courtyard with access to secure alternate side entry.

Tucked under the sunroom extension and nook is a workshop/cellar, garage and carport.
To the rear, a sturdy pergola offers further car accommodation … or simple enjoyment of the leafy garden aspect and established trees.

Like a sturdy front retaining wall with its iron gates, the garden layout provided boasts complementary styling to the residence, including charming garden lighting.
The original level of quality commitment shines through, from the solid double brick construction right through to the tiniest architectural features.
Naturally, a heritage overlay applies to the kerbside integrity of this significant property.
A rare find indeed.

ARCHITECTURAL PROFILE
Walter Burley Griffin is widely attributed with introducing Prairie School architecture to Australia.
A protege of Frank Lloyd Wright, the precociously talented Burley Griffin relocated to Australia after winning a design competition for the new national capital.
Together with his wife, Marion, the Burley Griffins established offices in Melbourne and Sydney where many young local architects were engaged.
This building was designed by Lesley Grant, shortly after graduating from his articles at Walter and Marion Burley Griffin’s Melbourne office.
Although officially an independent project for a Mr David W Bond, it bears the trademark features of the highly individualist of Burley Griffin interpretation of Prairie School style.
As you inspect the property, look for hallmark Burley Griffin features like buttress closets, alcoves, geometric stained glass external and internal doors, and curved recessed plaster ceilings.
Admirers of architecture will also recognise the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright, particularly evident in the high Art Deco ballroom fireplace.
Even the cantilever roof is reminiscent of his famed Fallingwater Kauffman Residence.
Burley Griffin’s influence was to shape Lesley Grant’s defining style and, indeed, they enjoyed a long and productive working relationship.
Before his death in 1978, Grant told a journalist ‘I absolutely considered it an honour and privilege to be there.
I wouldn’t have changed it for anything.
Life in Griffin’s office was never dull.’
A pioneer in the development of vertical space, Burley Griffin interiors are renowned for spatial variety and interest, often created by manipulating multi-level space.
This dual entry residence is a classic example of that style.
The assistance of the Walter Burley Griffin Society in preparing this summary is gratefully acknowledged.
Other sources include Built Heritage Pty Ltd and The Architecture Week Great Buildings Collection.