By Danielle Davey
A reproduction of the 1924 Ranelagh Estate sales poster. Photo courtesy Ranelagh Residents Association
While the newest season of The Block weaves cutting-edge design into the rugged Mount Eliza landscape, the bayside locale already holds a rich history of bold architectural progress.
Walter Burley Griffin and his wife and professional partner Marion Mahony Griffin laid its modern foundations, designing the exclusive Ranelagh Estate in the early 20th century. In the 150th year since his birth, it seems fitting to celebrate the contribution this visionary American architect and landscape designer made to the region.
More than a century before The Block came to the village, the beachside destination was already seen as a drawcard to out-of-towners. At its launch in 1924, the promotional brochure for the Ranelagh Estate espoused ‘The Idea of Ranelagh’. The opening passage made the target market clear: “To nearly everyone who is a city-dweller there comes from time to time, an insistent call for fresh air and relaxation.”
Throughout 1922 and 1923, Sequoia Pty Ltd – a private development company formed by prominent timber merchants and investors – purchased more than 400 acres of coastal farmland and property with a view to creating a seaside resort. The company’s directors hired the Griffins to design a country club and garden subdivision on the site. Highly feted after designing Canberra, the pair collaborated with Melbourne surveyor and town planner Saxil Tuxen on the project, shaping the hilly, bushland terrain into a landscape-focused community.
A 1924 Ranelagh Estate sales advertisement. Photo courtesy Ranelagh Residents Association.
The sales pamphlet was effusive in its praise of the scenery: “Ranelagh is situated on the high land which springs out of the sea with picturesque suddenness between Frankston and Mornington, in the shape of red timber-topped cliffs, whose skirts are edged with clean white beaches.”
The development of the estate was promoted as complementing the landscape, intertwining modern living with nature. “Mr Walter Burley Griffin has provided a plan that in future will be a monument to his genius. He has overlooked nothing that can enhance the natural beauty of the property.”
With a deposit of 10 pounds, buyers could purchase a lot with connected water and electric lighting soon to come, and access to a members-only country club. Originally located at the historical homestead Nyora, the concept of an exclusive social clubhouse continues today at the Ranelagh Club.
The Walter Burley Griffin Society is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its namesake’s birth with a weekend of events from October 17-19. A highlight of the program is a guided tour of the Ranelagh Estate’s northern section on Monday, October 19. Guests will explore the 1924 curvilinear garden subdivision and receive an exclusive invitation to visit the secluded, heritage-listed Ramsay House nearby. The property will be open to visitors courtesy of Sir Roy Grounds’ daughter, Victoria, who recently rescued and restored the 1937 masterpiece designed by her father. Light refreshments will be served in the afternoon.
Tickets are available at www.trybooking.com/DOMMS
