Tay Creggan

Tay Creggan in Hawthorn is a magnificent example of the Federation Queen Anne style of architecture. The house demonstrates the picturesque and eclectic qualities of this style by its elaborate and varied roof forms, leadlight windows and rough cast walls with creeper covering. It is the most accomplished residential work of the architect Guyon Purchas and was designed for his own use. The interior of the house retains much original Art Nouveau decoration and a remarkable ballroom illuminated with glass ceiling domes (Criteria D.2, E.1 and F.1). The residence is enhanced by its setting within a well preserved example of a nineteenth century picturesque garden. The two elements of house and garden represent the style of living of the upper middle classes of Melbourne in the late nineteenth century.

The house was built in 1893 by the architect R G W (Guyon) Purchas as his own residence. It is a large two storey residence designed in Federation Queen Anne style. Built from red brick, a characteristic picturesque effect is achieved with the asymmetry of the design and quality of the eclectic detailing.

Tay Creggan is set in an established and complementary landscaped garden, set back from Yarra Street, near the railway line and overlooking the Yarra River. The house is set up on an embankment forming a podium for the house. The Grounds are entered from Yarra Street by a wide gravel carriage drive flanked by established garden beds leading to the front porch and a turning area. Narrow garden beds surround the house. In front of the house on the south side of the path is an extensive embankment with landings and stairs leading down to the land at a lower level along the Yarra.

The line of the 1891 flood runs along the base of this embankment and it is presumed that any detailed garden areas were limited to above this line with the area below consisting of open grassland flanked by trees. A row of cypress trees identifies the eastern boundary and mature elms line the Yarra River. Although the garden has been diminished in size and the western portion with the glasshouse and stables is now covered with buildings of a more recent era, sufficient garden survives to appreciate its nineteenth century characteristics.

30 Yarra Street, Hawthorn, Vic.