We must have 15 people for this visit to be possible because it has been arranged mid-week especially for us. We meet at Sunbury station at 8.40am ready to catch the 8.59am train to Flinders Street.

We may have time for a coffee before we catch a number 16 Tram to Caulfield. Labassa is an outstanding Victorian-era mansion with opulent architectural features.

Originally called ‘Sylliott Hill’, it was renamed Óntario’ in the 1880s reflecting it’s new owner Alexander William Robertson’s Canadian heritage. He had the mansion redeveloped in the French Second Empire style by commissioning the German born architect, John.A.B.Koch who remodelled the house into a 35 roomed mansion. The interior features gilt embossed wallpapers, ornate stained glass and a rare trompe lóeil ceiling.
The mansion has a very unique and colourful history. Renamed Labassa in 1904, it was home to Melbourne elite until 1920, when it was divided into flats.
The residents included Hollywood’s first Australian silent movie star and other bohemians. Labassa is the most lavish of the few surviving 19th century mansions and the magnificently restored interior of the main rooms impress all visitors.
Afterwards for those interested we will return to the city and have lunch together.
Please register and pay for this event by the 9th August as we have to pay and confirm the booking.

Please register your interest on UMAS or give Marlene a call on 97444848 if you need any assistance
***Note this is a face to face activity so members must be fully vaccinated.