Gulls Way Precinct

Description

Gulls Way is a narrow street forming part of the subdivision of Yamala, the oldest mansion on Oliver’s Hill. In the 1950s, the precinct became the site of an adventurous spate of Modernist architecture by local film, Chancellor & Patrick. These homes are amongst the truly distinctive buildings in Frankston and form an almost unique enclave in Victoria.

The houses in Gulls Way designed by David Chancellor and W. Rex Patrick are distinguished by their clean lines, raw stone (from Moorooduc quarry), exposed timber and, above all, elegant expanses of glass. One of the most unusual is 1 Gulls Way (1950), which is David Chancellor’s own house. This remarkable design boasts a striking roof line, 25° outward slope veranda and an imposing Moorooduc stone fireplace.

Tilba Tilba (1955), at number 14, is also worthy of note. Completely gutted by fire in 1989, this house has been painstakingly restored by its owner in sympathy with the integrity of the original design. The structure of the original landscape gardening is also largely intact. A further example, Polperro (1958), stands at 6 Gulls Way.

Gulls Way also features examples of other intriguing houses. The oldest, at number 17, was built in 1927 for Rupert Hamer’s family when the future premier was aged 11. The garden (and possibly the house) was designed by Edna Walling, an important 20th century landscape gardener who was a major advocate for the use of native plants within domestic gardens. Around the corner was the Angliss House at 6 to 8 Yamala Drive. Built in 1961, this two-storey home is like a stylised Modernist version of a classic temple.

There are three narrow beaches in a 1.5 km long section of coast backed by 20 to 30 m high bluffs. The area is mainly used by the Daveys Bay Yacht Club and fishers.

At Pelican Point, the coast turns east into Daveys Bay, then swings back to face west past Kackeraboite Creek. This 1.5 km long section is dominated by 20 to 30 m high bluffs, rocks and reefs. The narrow, 650m long Kackeraboite Creek Beach is at the northern end. The sandy beach has some offshore rocks and the Kackeraboite Creek provides some play opportunities for the kids.

There are also steps down to Kackeraboite Creek Beach at the end of Gulls Way.

Swimming - A relatively safe beach during light winds and low waves. However, strong westerlies and accompanying waves will produce strong rip currents.