Knock Knock: Melbourne’s Best Buildings Open Up for Open House
Melbourne’s annual architecture celebration, Open House Melbourne, is back for another year from 30th – 31st of July. Get a ‘behind the scenes’ appreciation of the city’s most famous buildings, open to the public exclusively for the event. C&G have scoured the program and identified the best spots southside that are definitely worth a visit.
Como House & Garden, Lechlade Avenue South Yarra
Heritage listed Como House & Garden is one of our favourite southside gems. The late Georgian style mansion is Instagram-worthy in every respect, and makes for an inspirational exploration on a fine winter’s weekend in Melbourne. Complete with Armytage furnishings, Como House is held by the National Trust, and its restrained classical details and architecture propels it straight to the top of our Open House hit list.
Ulimaroa, St Kilda Road
This picturesque late Victorian building was originally intended as a family home, but its rich history has seen it be repurposed as a doctor’s surgery and a national headquarters. Owned by the Traill family for a large proportion of its lifetime, Ulimaroa had its iconic period features restored after being stripped of its identity due to multiple renovations. During Open House Melbourne, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the building and museum. Booking required.
Toorak House, Georges Rd Toorak
One of the oldest surviving mansions in Victoria, Toorak House is now home to the Swedish church. Now a hub for the Nordic community in Melbourne, the stunning building was built in the mid-1800s by Samuel Jackson in the Italianate Victorian style. Take note of the old oak tree that still lives on at the residence, after a visit from the Duke of Edinburgh in 1867 who planted it.
Luna Park, St Kilda Esplanade
See a side to this St Kilda landmark that you’ve never seen before. Despite being an icon of Melbourne today, Luna Park’s rich history has seen its iconic facade change many times over the years. Areas of the park represent notable periods in its history, like the Ghost Train, which was purchased in 1934 and became the symbol of the park following the Great Depression. Book in advance to get an exclusive tour of the Scenic Railway motor room, the heritage listed Scenic Railway maintenance shed, the Carousel and Carousel motor room and the Ghost Train.
At C&G, we love seeing our Baysiders out and about in Melbourne, so show us what you’re discovering at Open House Melbourne by tagging us on Facebook and Twitter!