24 January Repost 2021:

A very unusual example of the #RomanesqueRevival applied to a house, this sits behind a nice garden in #AlmaRoad #EastStKilda. Actually built not as a house but for the boarders of the (once) adjacent Priory Girls School, which perhaps explains the three generous reception rooms, maybe once dorms ? Built in 1890, it was designed by #EGKilburn, who had recently been to the US and brought back a version of their very popular Romanesque, called Richardsonian Romaneque after innovative architect HH Richardson (last pic is a random US example). This one has a two level verandah unlike most US ones. Typical elements include rough ‘stone’, a wide low arch, curly almost Art Nouveau, decoration, stumpy columns with Romanesque capitals, and a general solidity. The chimneys, which are scaled later painting in white, are particularly unusual, like clustered tubes.

First pic is from a real estate site, as are the interiors, which are just as special as the exterior- check out the rough ‘stone’ fireplaces and the heavy timber of the staircase, that bits very American.

Kilburn had previously been in partnership in WH Ellerker and just completed the fabulous #CityOfMelbourneBuilding, and with William Pitt designed the giant Federal Hotel. Just after this house he designed Cestria in Glenferrie Road Hawthorn, also Romanesque. In 1982 the Priory was purchased by well known stage and costume designer Kenneth Rowell, who lived there for some time. The real estate pics are from its last sale in 2017.

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