A magical and historic Hawthorn garden belonging to one of the oldest surviving homes in inner Melbourne

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this wander through one of Melbourne’s oldest and most substantial gardens.

Established around 1846, the grounds once extended to follow the bend of the river and covered much of the residential area known as St James Park. The garden you will tour for our 2023 Open Houses is very close to the 1871 layout and remains one of the largest private gardens in Melbourne. The property is the central and most important building and garden in the historic St James Park area.

After several private owners the property was used as a homecraft hostel and other education uses, before going back into private hands in 1990.

What we Love

• The incredible heritage significance to the suburb of Hawthorn.

• Over 200 trees and beautifully manicured beds with thoughtfully curated plantings.

• A ‘broad-arrow’ symbol chiseled into the bluestone of the stables – a symbol of convict labour used in the 1940’s at quarries.  

• Extraordinary and ancient River Red Gums estimate to be over 200 years old with clear links to the Indigenous community.

• London Street lamps - thought to be original London gas lamps