Impeccable Provenance – Melbourne
History is something that fascinates me greatly and historical references attached to a home or place instantly adds an intangible and magic value. In the case of this townhouse, located in East Melbourne Australia, the short roll call of owners reads like the provenance of a great painting. The first owner was Eugene von Guerard, the famed landscape painter responsible for producing some of the most romantic images of Australia during the early years of colonisation. In the late 1930s Little Parndon was purchase by former Governor-General, Lord Casey. Emma Templeton is the latest on the list of owners and following its purchase, has undertaken an extensive yet sympathetic renovation to this heritage gem.
Under Templeton, owner of Melbourne-based Templeton Architecture, the townhouse’s interior palate was freshened while retaining and incorporating the heritage protected 1950s wallpaper (an incredible and almost unheard-of protection), with original details – cornices, architraves and fireplaces – retained and celebrated. As explained by the architect, “The project required a respect for the deep history of the property while sensitively adding contemporary requirements such as light, warmth, improved circulation and renewed elegance to a fading hearth of rich creativity.”
As these images show, Templeton is a more than worthy addition to provenance of owners for this Melbourne treasure.
Story by Brendan Guy, follow him on Instagram MrBrendanGuy
Images: Sharyn Cairns