October 2025
Near Caulfield Racecourse are some houses of trainers that have survived with their big stables – I knew they were there somewhere, and happened to see two down some lanes.
The first is off Bond Street, and it’s got some nice carved barge boards, but seen better days (and so has the house). No date for it but it’s associated with Grace Darling, famous for coming second in the 1885 Melbourne Cup, after the jockey on the winner, Sheet Anchor allegedly hit her just before the finish line (!).
The second is off Balaclava Road, behind Park Crescent, built in 1915 for Sylvester Casey, but not so stylish, just plain red brick.
The third one is behind a much more grandiose house called Lord Lodge on Booran Road built on 1890 for John Leek – the photos come from the heritage study, including the inside, with horsies 🐎.
Storey of Melbourne 