Terraced Houses. 47-53 Thomas Street, Windsor. Victoria

This particular row of four double storey terraced homes has always interested me.   It appears to be the result of several remodeling efforts and very difficult to date.  The original terraces are now obscured but appear to be quite old and plain, perhaps even 1860s or 1870s.  Their current form has elements of Queen Anne, bungalow and tudor revival.  Possibly the result of an interwar makeover. Sadly, however they have also been significantly altered since.

Its position behind two large gum trees makes it quite difficult to photograph.  Like many double storey terraces, the upper storey features an open verandah.  There are gables over the bays rather than the entryways which is interesting, these like the rest of the roof is tiled in terracotta.  These are propped up by deliberately plain timber columns and brackets.  Half-timbering gives the terrace an Old English appearance, which is very rare for Australian terraces.  The one closest to the photo has unfortunately recently removed theirs and applied a grey coat to the whole facade and removed the interwar period style panelled windows which in the writer’s opinion compromises the row.  The small stylistic brick fence which once framed the courtyard has also been replaced by unsightly brick walls obscuring many of their features.

There is unfortunately no heritage overlay on this area which is a shame as there are many such terraces of great interest in the City of Stonnington.