The former home of one of the wealthiest pioneer couples in Melbourne, Como House is a beautiful example of colonial Australian architecture. A visit to the house and gardens is an excellent introduction into colonial life in Australia, especially amongst the upper classes.
Built in 1847 by Edward Eyre Williams for his new wife Jessie Gibbon, the house changed hands several times during its early history. The third owners, John and Helen Brown, developed the beautiful gardens that can now be seen today. When the Armytage family purchased the house in 1864 the property moved into a period of stability that lasted almost one hundred years. Charles and Caroline Armytage raised their ten children at the house, and in 1906 their daughter, Constance, was married there in what was then coined as the “social event of the year.” In 1959 the Armytage family gave the house to the National Trust so that it could be forever preserved as a heritage site. The house remains fully decorated with Artymage family heirlooms, and is known for its collection of antique furniture. The gardens have been meticulously restored, right down the vegetable gardens that once fed the household. A popular place for both casual picnics and upscale weddings, the gardens are a beautiful spot not to be missed.
Visits to the house and gardens are by guided tour only, so be sure to call ahead. The house is a convenient seven minute walk from the South Yarra train station. Onsite is the well-regarded Bursaria Café where visitors can get a bite to eat or simply enjoy a cup of coffee as they look out onto the gardens. The Café is family friendly, and even allows dogs. Entrance into the house and gardens is free when visiting the café.
The Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens, in Melbourne, is a true architectural treasure. Built in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition, it remains as a rare example of architecture used in world fairs or exhibitions. Since most buildings at such events were only temporary structures, there are few remaining to this day.
The architect, Joseph Reed, designed a Great Hall complete with a dome, portal entries, fanlight windows, and a cruciform floor plan. At the time of the exhibition, many temporary structures supplemented the hall. When exploring the building today you can still see the foundation of a fence that outlined the exhibition grounds. Although parts of the building have changed over the years, four original murals remain in the dome, and a major conservation project was completed in 1994 that restored the building’s paint color back to its shade in 1904. Today, the building acts as an exhibition hall for many local events. Guided tours are available through the Melbourne Museum which is located right next to the Royal Exhibition Building.
Carlton Gardens are to be enjoyed for their own sake as well. Encompassing an entire block, the Gardens contain two small lakes, three fountains, carriage avenues and walking paths. It remains as a shining example of nineteenth century Gardenesque style. The southern portion of the garden remains almost exactly as it was originally designed, while the northern garden has been restored to its 1880 design.
Since the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens are located just outside of the central business district of Melbourne, they are easily accessible by public transit. Parking is also available. It is advisable to check on the schedule of events prior to your visit.
