Description

From mansion to apartments, Labassa has survived with its Victorian era decoration intact. Labassa is an outstanding Victorian era mansion with opulent architectural features. Originally called Sylliott Hill, it was renamed Ontario in the 1880s reflecting its new owner Alexander William Robertsons Canadian heritage. He had the mansion redeveloped in the French Second Empire style by commissioning the German born architect, John A. B. Koch, to remodel the house into a thirty-five roomed mansion. The interior features gilt embossed wallpapers, ornate stained glass and a rare trompe loeil ceiling. Renamed Labassa in 1904 it was home to Melbournes elite until 1920 when it was divided into flats. The residents included Hollywoods first Australian silent film star and other colourful bohemians. Labassa is the most lavish of the few surviving nineteenth century mansions and the magnificently restored interiors of the main rooms again impress all its visitors. Open every third Sunday of each month from 10.30am to 4pm. House tours at 11am, 2pm and 3pm. There is also an external tour at 1pm. Social History tour at 12pm. Tearooms open throughout the day. House Tours included as part of admission.