Labassa is an exuberantly decorated high Victorian mansion.
Its vibrant history continued well into the twentieth century as home to a silent movie star, artists and bohemians.
The interiors are a treasure of ornamental decoration with lavish Japanese wallpapers, ornate stained glass and a rare trompe l’oeil ceiling.
Redeveloped in the French Second Empire style by German-born architect, John A. B. Koch, for owner Alexander William Robertson, the house was remodelled in 1889 into a thirty-five roomed mansion with views across Port Philip Bay. The tower is open to small tour groups on open days.
Converted into flats in the 1920s, it functioned as a tenement until 1980. From housing post-war European immigrant families in the 1950s to the psychedelic haze of the 60s and 70s counterculture, Labassa’s diverse history is ready for you to discover.
Labassa hosts an Open Day once a month run by Volunteers. Please register your interest and we will get in touch !
Labassa Mansion is located at 2 Manor Grove, Caulfield North
Bunurong Country
Waller House
Step into the remarkable world of Napier and Christian Waller, two of Australia’s most celebrated artists, whose murals, mosaics, and stained-glass works grace some of Victoria’s most iconic buildings, from the Melbourne Town Hall and State Library to Myer and churches across the state.
Their Ivanhoe home is a true reflection of their creative spirits, a place where life, art, and craftsmanship merged. Every corner of the house tells a story, from the hand-decorated interiors to the bespoke furniture, lovingly designed by the Wallers themselves in line with the Arts and Crafts movement.
We are seeking passionate volunteers to help bring this extraordinary space to life during public Open Days, care for the tranquil garden that surrounds the home, or delve into the fascinating research behind the Wallers’ artistic legacy.
Whether you enjoy welcoming and guiding visitors, getting your hands in the soil, or uncovering the stories behind the art, there could be a place for you at Waller House. We take volunteers periodically through out the year. Please register your interest and we will get in touch !
Waller house, Ivanhoe, Victoria. Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Country
