| Photos |
 | 'Stramshall', 173 Auburn Road, Hawthorn, VIC
This is the home that was built for William Hordern and Cecilia Monger by her father, William Monger. The Horderns lived there until 1917. On the left is the house shortly after it was built and on the right, the house as it appeared when it was auctioned around 1964.
The auctioneers listing says this about the house:
"Constructed for William Hordern esq. at the beginning of the land boom of the 1880's, "Stramshall" is a spendid example of the Italianate form of architecture so popular in the late-victorian era.
During the decade, many of Melbourne's most imposing residences were built, generally occupying the choice hilltop locations in the burgeoning suburbs of the fledgling metropolis.
Remaining in the original owner's family until 1917, "Stramshall" was subsequently converted to flats and remained as such until 1965 when it was purchased by the present owners. Carefully restored to highlight its abundant architectural and decorative features and subtly upgraded to incorporate modern facilities, it has provided comfortable and charming accommodation for a large family for almost thirty years.
Of triple brick construction, set on massive bluestone foundations and roofed in Welsh slate, Stramshall is a stately and substantial residence of some 490 sq metres or approximately 53 squares, having twelve principal rooms of mansion proportions.
On the ground floor a spectacular tessellated entrance foyer and stair hall open to three grand reception rooms and the current owners' master bedroom, which could be utilised as a fourth living area if desired. There is a well equipped Brazillian black bean kitchen, a cosy study with access to the walk-down wine cellar and a luxuriously appointed bathroom. The first floor comprises four enormous bedrooms, two complete bathrooms and a further two double bedrooms and kitchenette, the latter being readily adaptable to a self-contained granny flat if required. A wide return verandah on the ground floor and corresponding balcony on the first floor are both trimmed in elaborate cast iron filigree.
No fewer than eight marble fireplaces including two exquisite rouge marble examples grace the main rooms and original plaster work and detailed joinery are retained in beautifully preserved condition." |
Father | Male
Mother | Female