26 December 2023
This impressive pile on #PrincesStreetStKilda is often described as one of the oldest houses in #StKilda, but the very unusual verandah was built some time around WW1. Behind it, theres a house built in 1854, for Henry Field Gurner, who was born in Sydney in 1819 and come to Melbourne in 1841 as Court Clerk for the Supreme Court, when Melbourne was only 6 years old. The 1873 Vardy plans of St Kilda show a quite small house with verandahs only on two sides. There was addition in 1872, possibly the rear wing with the bow window. The original house was designed by #AlbertPurchas, not long after he arrived here, when still in his late 20s – he had a long career up to 1890. After 1917 it was named Berkeley Hall, then in the 40s it became a reception centre, then offices, and since last year home to the #SchoolOfLife (something to do with Alain de Botton) as well as functions.
Storey of Melbourne 