The house ‘On the Lake’ is significant as the only Ballarat example of the work of Robin Boyd, one of Australia’s best-known and most celebrated modernist architects. The house was commissioned and occupied by businessmen Robert Selkirk, the third generation of a prominent Ballarat family that established the eponymous brickworks in 1900.

This historically significant house is a textbook example of mid-century residential design. It displays many of the qualities that characterised fine contemporary dwellings of the era, including it’s elevated expression, generous fenestration (with views over Lake Wendouree), open plan ‘courtyard design’, exposed beams, brick feature walls, built-in joinery, including open fireplace with tapering copper hood.

Strategic and selective refurbishment is currently underway to ensure contemporary living, embracing the character and essence of this original Boyd creation.