Banyule
Banyule, perched high on a cliff above the river valley, is one of the state s oldest surviving mansions. The first stage of construction (c.1842) entailed the single-storey wing of clay and quarried stone. The two-storey main house was completed in 1846. It is made of stuccoed local bricks on a sandstone foundation and is executed in the Gothic Revival style. The walls are 75 cm thick and the building features gabled parapets, corner pinnacles, bay windows, a porch, prominent string courses and fretted battlements. The house became a social centre frequented by most of Melbourne s distinguished early figures.The house is one of the oldest surviving houses in the State and is probably the earliest mansion (still standing) in Victoria. The house has considerably historical associations. Architecturally the house is in the very rare Tudor Gothic Revival style, is finely detailed and is one of the important examples of the Gothic Revival in the State. Banyule was built for overlander and grazier Joseph Hawdon in several stages. Hawdon s family remained there until 1863. It was extended in 1907 and extensive alterations and additions were carried out in 1996. Dating from c.1842, is the initial single storey wing constructed of clay and locally quarried stone. The two storey main house was completed by 1846 and is constructed of stuccoed brickwork on stone footings. Asymmetrically composed, the design is characterised by its gabled parapets and corner pinnacles, bay window and porch, chimneys and prominent string courses.
The Heidelberg Historical Society and Museum
The Heidelberg Historical Society and Museum is located in the old courthouse (1899-1900) in Jika Street. It features material relating to the Heidelberg School of painters, along with historic buildings, pioneer memorabilia, photographs and sports history. The museum is open Sundays from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. There is a small entry fee, tel: (03) 9455 2130.
