Blanch Street 15
| Place type: | Building |
|---|---|
| Address: | 15 Blanch Street |
| Town or Locality: | Gawler East |
In March 1924, William Rice purchased residence 'Glenalbyn', a 'stately house' at 15 Blanch Street, Gawler East, that had previously belonged to former Mayor Frank D Harris. In 1925, the home was the site of Rice daughter Irene's surprise 21st birthday party and the celebrations included 'dancing on the balcony'! The property was sold by Willam's widow, second wife Amy Rice (nee Crouch) in 1940, shortly after his passing.
DESCRIPTION:
This imposing double-storey double-fronted villa is well set back from Blanch Street in a generous garden setting. The dwelling is elevated and constructed of face sandstone bought to course and tuck-pointed with rendered quoins and dressings in the late-Victorian style. The double hipped roof has been reclad with corrugated metal roofing and features bold rendered chimneys with moulded caps and corbelled eaves overhangs.
The dwelling is screened by an encircling verandah with convex roofing supported by timber posts with cast iron lacework to balustrade panels and frieze; a decorative gablet with carved barge boards and finial defines the central entrance. The symmetrical façade includes a panelled timber door and surrounds with glazed sidelights and fanlight, flanked by window openings with timber-framed double-hung sashes. The verandah is accessed via a wide flight of slate steps featuring splayed rendered masonry dwarf walls which terminate with moulded piers.
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