The Gables represents the height of refined country living and is without question one of the most elegant homes in Hamilton. The landmark two storey 698m2 Queen Anne and Arts and Crafts residence, designed in 1907 by prominent society architect Walter Butler, represents an opportunity to acquire a residence rich in architectural detail, aesthetic, historic and streetscape value. Beautifully restored, refurbished and landscaped, the home now offers a relaxed and elegant lifestyle.
Walter Butler was a highly influential Australian architect who designed many grand local homesteads in the area and Melbourne. He was influenced by the English Arts and Crafts movement and William Morris and played an important role in the movement in Victoria. The large house was commissioned by a local pastoralist family, Harold Learmonth, as their family home. Today the Gables remains one of the most historically and architecturally important residences in Hamilton, well positioned opposite the Botanical Gardens and close to the town centre.
Exceptional architectural features and detailing associated with the period are evident throughout the house – including 3.4m Californian Redwood ceilings, Oak flooring, panelled doors, dados and box seats, large pane and baronial windows, decorative stained glass, fireplaces, a magnificent staircase and joinery, and exquisite light fittings. The upstairs sitting room also has 3 exceptional examples of early 20th century decorative art panels designed to complement the Arts and Crafts style of the Gables. The panels depict the English Stagecoach Journey and Coaching Inns, which were a symbol of hospitality. Externally, the house has all the hallmarks of the architectural style – gables and decorative verandah, steep roofline, stucco walls, tall chimneys and chimney pots, terracotta tiled roof and finials.
The substantial and versatile internal accommodation is arranged over 2 floors. The large entry foyer leads to several well proportioned rooms, including a sitting room, large 9.6m x 5.4m dining/living room, bedroom with ensuite, and study. Beyond these rooms are informal and domestic quarters – the wine cellar, lounge room, sun room, ironing/sewing room, studio, sunroom and laundry/powder room. There is access to the outside covered patio. The large country-style kitchen is fully equipped with extensive food preparation benchtops and storage. Beneath the kitchen is a series of rooms, originally part of the house’s extensive cellarage.
The magnificent grand mahogany staircase was designed as a showpiece and intended to impress visitors and communicate warmth, scale and grandness. Upstairs, the long and wide hallway leads to 4 very large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and the sitting room. In all, 697m2 of gracious living space.