1865
House designed and built by Henry Richards Caselli at 32 Webster Street, which is now known as 24.
The house was originally known as Kent Villa.
Ballarat Rowing Club has a brief history of Henry and his achievements on their blog.
Federation University website listing Henry's many architectural projects.
To be confirmed: I have found conflicting references as to whether the original number was 32 or 34.
1865, February
After working for 6 years as an architect, Henry Caselli was now in a position to build his family a permanent home. In February 1865 Henry bought from Jabez Richards the land in Webster Street where the family had lived since arriving in Ballarat.
Source: Tradesmen of Gazelle who in turn cites RG Folio 34238.
1865, May 5th
Star Newspaper
Webster Street is now being ornamented by a new and what promises to be a handsome and commodious dwelling, for Mr. Caselli, the architect, and after his own design. The house is already ready for roofing in, and is three stories high, including a half-buried basement. Both of the upper stories have a bay window in front, and when finished the elevation will be very presentable. The materials are of brick on the bluestone basement story, and the erection is not by the usual contract fashion, but the proprietor supplies his own materials and chooses his own workmen. There are nearly twenty rooms in the building, and the cost will be about £1400.
1868, March 24th
Earthquake hits Webster Street, causing substantial damage to many structures.
Damage to Kent Villa is unknown.
Source: Ballarat Punch 28/3/1868.
1885
Death of the original owner, builder, and architect.
Henry died at the age of 69 at home. The funeral procession left his late residence to the Church of England Cathedral.
Federation University article on Henry's Death.
Photo taken 18 July 2021 at Ballarat Cemetery.
1886, January 1st
Advert in Ballarat Star either in preparation of or after Georgiana moving out.
Handsome suite in best leather; walnut, ormolu, and other tables, whatnot; massive fenders and irons, curtains, poles, etc.; large guilt mirror; pictures and ornaments; easy and other chairs, secretaire, &c.; six first-class horsehair mattresses; first quality blankets and bedding; washstand and ware, toilet tables; toilet glasses, chest of drawers; large fire proof safe (Price's); 14 vols Popular Encyclopedia; 6 vols Clarke's commentaries; 8 vols Australia Illustrated; 4 vols Smith's Wealth of nations; Sunday books; valuable hall clock, 8 feet high; hall chairs and linoleum; large dinner service, cups and saucers; assortment of crockery and glassware; quantity of cooking utensils and tinware; a quantity of sundries; and a number of really good old-fashioned articles.
1888, November 10th
Death of Georgina Caselli, wife of Henry, who died aged 87. Georgiana is buried with her husband.
1893, April 20th
Advert in Ballarat Star.
The residence contains 13 large, lofty and well-finished rooms, the drawing room being specially large and handsome. The bedrooms are fitted with wardrobes; kitchen with a new and excellent range, with a second range in the scullery. The basement rooms are specially designed for summer occupation. There are also pantry, wine cellar, and detached cottage for gardener or servants. The gas fittings (of special excellence), Venetian blinds, and picture rods go with the house. The building is of superior construction - massive and substantial. The situation is central; seven minutes from the G.P.O. or station; high and salubrious, and in a superior neighbourhood.