DISCOVER VILLAS IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT with Timothy Hubbard

With imperial aspirations and some architectural pretension, for over fifty years Western District squatters established themselves in a vast pastoral landscape. Their homesteads were self-sufficient complexes supported by orchards, gardens and libraries. Situation and a sense of retreat were two further criteria for the villa lifestyle. The squatters claimed the landscape not only by occupation but also with the sophistication of their designs. These mostly Italianate villas were a Picturesque synthesis of style, form and function.

This talk provides an introduction to The Friends of The Johnston Collection Western District tour in April 2011

Timothy Hubbard is a consultant in the conservation of historic buildings, gardens, sites and landscapes. He is currently restoring Old St Andrews, the former Presbyterian Church and Manse at Port Fairy, where he now lives.