22 July 2018

The Willows, originally Estella, built 1890, likely architect #WilliamWolf – it’s pretty amazing, clusters of Tuscan columns, supporting the panels with bas relief classical scenes.

A very grand front for a single story house for Leon Cohen, a ‘well known bookmaker’ (who started out with his own clothing business age 21 in 1857). It had all the mansion things, 16 rooms, a ballroom, billiard room, conservatory, coach house and tennis court (all squeezed onto a small block). They put it up for sale in 1895 ‘at a reduced price’, but still had it in 1899 when it was put up for lease, and they auctioned the ‘high art’ furniture. By then though it was all Mrs Cohen, perhaps Leon had died.

Later it was named Alton, then Rathgael, and like so many others became a boarding house. Then in the late 70s, by which time it had the block next door, the back half was demolished for townhouses (not a tower thank goodness). The remaking four big rooms became a restaurant named after the trees in the front, only one left now. Hardly changed except lost the verandah.

A totally unique design, and definitely W Wolf I think since he advertised tenders many times, and not WS Law as speculated on the #victorianheritagedatabase.

Possibly inspired by triumphal arches, or the side wings of Parliament House under construction at the time (thanks @chrismbr for the mashup). Does not need the pencil pines in front.

The Willows closed abruptly in 2018, leaving many brides out of pocket, and just recently reopened as a Chinese restaurant Jishan Gardens. Looks nice. They also do yoga.

As a follower pointed out, the central stair is handless & headless #statue (ending up like the winged victory of samophrace !)

Then I took another pic in 2021, ok there’s a head but a bit undersized ! then in 2025, a much better one, but still no hands or wreaths.

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