Pither
East Melbourne, Simpson Street 019
Unusual combination of high Victorian house with projecting bay and Art Nouveau detail. Heavy render triglyph course under balustraded parapet. Simple corrugated iron verandah with tessellated tile surface and slate flags. Elaborate render and brick chimneys. Asymmetrical garden. [i-Heritage database]
The house was built by builder and contractor, Charles Osborne Luff, for himself in 1903. At the same time Luff built the house next door at number 17 for the Rev David Meadowcroft. Both houses occupied land previously the site of a large wooden house. Luff was at one time a member of the Richmond Council.
East Melbourne, Simpson Street 019
Unusual combination of high Victorian house with projecting bay and Art Nouveau detail. Heavy render triglyph course under balustraded parapet. Simple corrugated iron verandah with tessellated tile surface and slate flags. Elaborate render and brick chimneys. [City of Melbourne i-Heritage database]
The house was built in 1903 by Charles Osborne Luff for himself and wife, Charlotte. They lived there for about four years before selling to William Henry Pither, investor, and later, gentleman. Pither died in 1943 and Annie, his widow, remained there until her own death in 1948.