Beverley Hills Apartment Block

Beverley Hills Apartment Block is an Art Deco residential complex with two buildings rising up to seven stories located at 65 Darling Street in South Yarra. The structures feature grey stucco walls topped with red tile roofs, and residents have access to one and two-bedroom apartments with balconies plus a shared swimming pool on the grounds.

Architect Howard Ratcliff Lawson designed and built the complex between 1935 and 1936. The development was significant because it exceeded the local height restrictions of three stories that applied at the time, introducing a new residential scale to the area.

The complex blends Spanish Colonial style with 1930s Hollywood influences, evident in the ornamental window details and twisted columns decorating both buildings. This distinctive character sets it apart from other residential developments of the same period in the neighborhood.

The property sits on a sloped site with the swimming pool integrated into the complex grounds. Multiple staircases and pathways connect the different levels of the terrain, and balconies on the units offer views across the area.

The grounds incorporate trees, palms, and cacti arranged across multiple levels, reflecting the Californian influences of the design era. This landscaping approach is uncommon for residential complexes in Melbourne and adds to the distinctive feel of the place.