The W.C. Weigall Maisonettes were planned to increase the density of the suburban block and at the same time retain the benefits of the typical detached suburban house. Designed by society architect Marcus Martin, these semi-detached town houses also epitomize the highly prized private domain of Melbourne's upper middle classes. These tasteful houses, in a modern version of Georgian, orient themselves to the rear of the block to face north, while at the street, a face of formality and convenience is presented. Two garages with medallions above, front gates and the all-encompassing hipped-tiled roof hovering beyond, intimate solid respectability and the appropriate hallmark of status of the 1930s, the generous space for the motor car. Maisonettes such as this, and designed in all manner of styles, were built throughout Melbourne in the 1930s and 1940s in suburbs such as Caulfield, Bentleigh, McKinnon, Ormond and Elwood.

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