Grant House - 8 The Parapet

Although financed by, and named after, the Melbourne theatre producer, Julius Grant, this house is more well-known as the residence of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin, from 1925 until 1936. I showed you another shot of the front of this house during Theme Day.

As I clamber the paths and tracks of Griffin's original estate, it becomes increasingly clear, that the jungle is just itching to claim its own back. There is a massive dichotomy pervading the estate: maintain the vision; or, move with the times. One can see it in the houses, both their design and their maintenance. One can see it in the landscaping: run wild, or tame the savage beast. This is most evident at the rear of #8. A narrow access path down beside the garage leads to a fork. To the right, lies Turret Reserve. Straight ahead lies Lookout Reserve. Except thate the look no longer is 'out'. Houses have filled Griffin's blank canvas. The trees that Walter and Marion are thought to have personally planted at the rear of their home, have grown somewhat in 80+ years.

The rear of #8 has a charminly wild sense to it, backing onto the reserve as it does. But it is a tangled mass - not really mess. Perfect for climbing and chasing. Except I was there during school holiday time, and nary a child in sight. Lots of adults though: walking each other, walking a dog, jogging uphill.

Of cabbages and kings

Conceits, of course, can be taken too far, so far that the elasticity afforded the concept snaps, and what was vision, is mere elitism.

Burley Griffin took his remembrance of Edinburgh Castle, and the rock upon which it stood, and filtered it through the development of his ideal suburb. Streets were designed and planned to follow the contour lines, with foreshores preserved for public access. This can clearly be seen when looking at a street map. However, the geekiest thing that WBG and his wife, Marion Mahoney Griffin [MMG] did was to name these streets after prominent features of castles.

A 'Sortie Port' is the same as a 'Sally Port'. Armed men go out on 'sorties', yes? Indeed, they 'sally' forth.

So let me acknowledge Griffin's conceit, and match him: "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it." [Matthew 16:18].

Surely not ... let's bring it all crashing down, with this little beauty, snapped just two streets away.