In 1938, Lou and Marnie Whyte set about renovating their 1854 home which was packed to the rafters with over two generations of Victorian and Edwardian clutter. They engaged the fashionable Melbourne decorator Reg Riddell and the architect Harold Bartlet to redesign their home for comfortable modern living.
One of the first rooms to be considered was the kitchen – popular tastes towards interiors had changed and the functional areas of homes, particularly kitchens, were now carefully considered and improved. There were innovative ideas on hygiene and convenience, and the advent of modernised gadgets and appliances were designed to make general housework and kitchen chores easier. In the most up-to-date kitchens, built in cupboards, stainless steel sinks, and easily cleaned surfaces replaced old fashioned kitchen fittings.
The Whyte’s kitchen was designed for use by domestic staff. It had an electric refrigerator, an oil slow combustion stove, a gas stove for summer use, draught cupboards, a central island bench on castors with a terrazzo top for pastry making and a sunny dining alcove overlooking the kitchen gardens. Electric call bells were installed, exhaust fans, and extra lighting.
Like many of the prosperous families at the time, the Whytes employed domestic help. Inge Sachs, later Mrs Brunswick, was just 15 years old when she came to work at the Heights in 1939. She and her parents had fled Nazi Germany and found work immediately with the Whytes.
“It wasn’t always easy, because of the lack of English and we had to learn a new way of life – We’d never eaten lamb before. Mrs Whyte being of ill health…. we learned about junket and things we’d never heard of… we couldn’t imagine how anyone could eat it!”
Inge’s mother Gunda was employed as the housekeeper and cook. The kitchen was her domain but whether she had any say in the design of the kitchen is unknown. Inge recalled in 1975,
“The kitchen design showed regard for anyone they (the Whytes) were employing…. it was very modern.”
Visit The Heights
Visit one of the largest surviving prefabricated houses in Victoria, situated in a flourishing garden setting. The Heights was home to the Whyte’s, a society couple who decorated their home in up-to-the minute 1930s style. The intact kitchen is a must see as are the floral garden beds when in bloom.
The Heights Heritage Home & Garden is open most Sunday afternoons. Check the website here for times before visiting.
Written by Claudette Brennan, Operations and Assets Advisor
This article was originally published in the Winter 2024 Members Magazine. Join today to enjoy three copies of our Member-only Magazine each year.
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