Just as the Victorian Georgian style of architecture was a continuation of the Old Colonial Georgian style, so too is the Victorian Regency style a continuation of the Old Colonial Regency period. Many purists, unconvinced by the decorative frippery of some of the preceding styles wanting a reversion to the demure, stately and refined styles of the earlier Regency period. Its genteel lines and quiet austerity had many nodding in approval of the sophistication of the style.

Its simplicity though, meant that it was easily adapted by builders of all budgets and modest dwellings and large scale building projects alike soon sprang up in honour of the new style. Regency, of course, in honour of the then Regent, Victoria, was a style that was supposed to reflect the best of the best without going over the top with decorative and distracting features. Again, symmetry was the order of the day, with its classic simplicity and attractive appeal. Roofs were finished simply, often with verandahs or small portico.

Stonework was a much valued technique, but where budgets did not allow for this fine type of addition, stucco was often put on buildings to give the same appearance.

In some ways, Victorian Regency could be described as the result of someone gone mad with a set square and ruler – all lines and angles radiating from a central point. Even the jalousies (louvred shutters), added as extra protection from the fierce Australian sun, were the extension of more lines, more angles.

Verandahs were the favourite of the time and while there were a few variations on the ‘theme’ it was basically the same throughout the era – extensions into a verandah that jutted out from the main outer wall. The balustrades were now often of iron and the columns or pillars, which had most often been of wood, were now also of cast iron and there had been the development of some treillage in timber verandah posts. Later in the period, the posts were of cast iron.

In some examples of Victorian Regency architecture, the roofs were concealed by the presence of parapets. Chimneys now had some moulded tops. In many ways this style of architecture reflected the characteristics of the Queen herself – refined, restrained, quietly elegant and sophisticated. Less was considered to be infinitely of better taste and restraint was the order of the day, although in some more flamboyant architects’ offices, there was the hint of wanting to break out. But, in general, in Australia, we followed the British trends and constructed buildings that were very true to the original British styles, but not always suitable to the extreme heat. That is one of the reasons that verandahs proliferated – they at least provided some relief from the relentless summer sun.