Citation report - Victoria's Planning Schemes

City of Port Phillip Heritage Review
Identifier
Formerly
Address
Constructed c 1900
Amendment C 29
Comment
Significance
Description
"Elenara" and "Thalassa"
unknown
Cnr. Fitzroy St and Beaconsfield Pde
ST. KILDA
(Mapped as a Significant heritage property.)
Beaconsfield Pde
Category Residential:detached
Designer unknown
Elenara and Thalassa are intact examples of large Edwardian residences erected in St Kilda. In addition to
their architectural significance, the buildings are located in a critical position, at the gateway to the important
foreshore area, opposite the Catani Gardens. The pair of buildings form an extremely important link at the
corner of Fitzroy Street and Beaconsfield Parade. In spite of the losses of important buildings in both these
streets the survival of this corner group manages to maintain much of the original character of this area.
Primary Source
Nigel Lewis and Associates, St. Kilda Conservation Study, 1982
Other Studies
Fitzroy St
Elenara and Thalassa, Fitzroy Street, St Kilda are two adjacent Edwardian residences erected at the
beginning of this century. A contemporary description in 1914 spoke glowingly of Elenara:
"A home of palatial residences and hotels is Fitzroy-street, the main thoroughfare leading down to the
Esplanade, but none are more attractive than "ELENARA" at the corner of Acland-street, with its quaint
architecture and great stretch of windows, making one of the most pleasant pictures on a summer's eve when
the lights are glowing. It gives so reposeful an impression, and that is deepened as one moves through the
sumptuously furnished and carpeted rooms, finished with the touch of an artist. Facing the water, just a few
steps from all the life, and joy of the Esplanades it is an ideal private residential hotel."
Originally both of exposed red brickwork, the buildings feature many elements of the Federation period often
in an extreme manner. The two storey residences incorporate half-timbered gables, bow and bay windows
with leaded glass, rectangular, triangular and oriel de boeuf windows, timber fretwork, arches, a glazed tile hip
and gable roof with terracotta ridging and finials, and substantial tall red brick chimneys. Cement render is
Acland St
Heritage Precinct Overlay
Heritage Overlay(s)
Park St
HO3
Citation No:
92