Polperro

6 Gulls Way, Frankston

History
Built: c1958, 1975
A resident of South Yarra, Duncan J. Riddgle, owned Lot 39, Gulls Way, in 1953.1 By 1958, a Mrs. Agnes Johnston of Hawthorn had purchased the allotment and had a dwelling built on it to the design of Chancellor & Patrick. Mr. Johnston was reputedly chairman of the Stock Exchange.2 The Net Annual Value increased in that year to £395 from £35 the previous year.3 A larger laundry and garage were added to the residence in 1975 for Stanley Mitchell, the owner-occupier at the time.4 The additions were estimated to cost $3,000.5

Description
This is an elevated masonry house with a gently gabled roof; the terra-cotta tiling being uncharacteristic of Chancellor and Patrick's work. The L-plan is in the evidence (see also Waveney Road) and full-height glazing to the terrace achieved with French doors. Typically for the era, the bedroom wing of the L receives most of the sun (faces north-east) while the large living area on the other leg of the L achieved only an oblique north aspect, presumably in favour of the bay views. Three bedrooms and a shower room occupied the former wing and a kitchen, garage, laundry and living room, the latter.

External Integrity
The 1975 addition forms a new block on the L-plan's corner but is set back from the street view. Given that part of the addition room is a skillion form and hence differs from the hip-roof profile of the original, it is fortunate that this section faces the rear of the site.

Context
Contributing and early part of a valuable Modernist house precinct.

Landscaping
The rockwork edging to the drive steps and garden beds relate to the period with a row of mature Pinus Radiata along the frontage; the stone paving to the driveway is new.

Significance – Study Grading C
Architecturally, this house is important as part of the distinctive architectural output of the noted peninsula house designers, Chancellor & Patrick, also a contributor to an important residential 1950's precint: of local importance and regional interest.

Historically the house contributes to a group of buildings which is distinguished by its shared 'Modernist' character. This area also reflects the distinctive appeal of Frankston in the expansion of the 1950s: of local importance.