January 2026

Very grand block of flats that come as quite a surprise going down the relatively ordinary side street of Sidwell Avenue in East St Kilda.

Rothesay Court was built 1928-1930, and the style is very 1920s classical, complete with Doric columned porticos and charming pergolas, and a sweeping front lawn. There’s only 12 flats, all with huge living, dining and main bed rooms, many with a study as well. Some however just face the rear yard.

Found a write up in the Australian Home Beautiful in June 1930 which notes the trim was originally green, that the top flats could actually glimpse the bay, the layout ‘would do credit to a small house’, and the architect was EH Long. There was also to be a tennis court (now belonging to next door I think), and putting green, and maids rooms above the garages (now separate flats). It replaced a mansion called Sidwell, and two of the flats were for the joint owners (Mrs. Amy Gardner and Mrs. Stella Russell).

The interior photos show that originally the woodwork was dark stained, and the text notes the walls were cream and fawn. All still impressive, heritage listed, and don’t seem to sell very often.

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