Mentone Historical Walking Trail
The Mentone Historical Walking Trail is intended to be an introduction to the rich history of Mentone, celebrating both its charming architecture and enduring village character.
The trail distance is approximately 4 kilometres with a duration of approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
Unlike other towns which grew from pioneer settlements, Mentone was founded during the prosperous land boom of the 1880s.
Developer Sir Matthew Davies envisaged the town as a stylish new Riviera. Embracing Mediterranean themes, the concept unfolded with Italian street names and extravagant buildings. The most impressive of these was the luxurious Mentone Coffee Palace which is now Kilbreda College.
Styled as a 'salubrious' destination, holiday-makers flocked to the town to enjoy its hot sea baths and prestigious racecourse. Although the boom period was short lived, Mentone was endowed with a lasting architectural legacy, which was complimented by the classic Edwardian styles of later development.
Map of Route
Stop 01 - Mentone Station and Gardens
Location: Corner Como Parade West and Balcombe Road, Mentone
Mentone emerged during the prosperous land boom of the 1880s. Developer, Sir Matthew Davies, envisaged the town as a stylish new Riviera. Embracing Mediterranean themes, the concept unfolded with Italian street names and extravagant buildings. Featuring a prestigious racecourse, hot sea baths and beaches, Mentone became a desirable holiday destination.
The railway line was first extended to Mentone in 1881. At the time it was known as Balcombe Road Station. In 1914 a devastating fire destroyed the platform structures located on Como Parade. In its stead this simple but attractive weatherboard building was erected. Featuring simply adorned gable style roofing and decorative timber trim, it is a well preserved example of an Edwardian station.
The gardens date back to 1910 and include a stunning Norfolk Island Pine, peppercorn and palm trees. In 1990 a commemorative horse trough was relocated to the gardens in honour of 'Garryowen', the champion race horse, and his courageous owners who attempted to rescue him from a burning stable.
This horse drinking-trough was presented by the Purple Cross Society to the Mentone community in 1935. It is a memorial to Violet and Bill Murrell who, on 24th March 1934. in a vain attempt to save two horses, ran into burning stables in Latrobe Street. The Murrells died later from extensive bums. One of the horses that perished was Garryowen, Violet's champion show-jumper. She had become Victoria's top equestrienne riding Garryowen, winning many events at the Royal Melbourne Show and elsewhere.
Bill, a successful steeplechase jockey, was also a trainer and he encouraged Violet in her quest to have the ban on women riding at city meetings removed. At the 1934 Melbourne Show the Garryowen equestrienne trophy was introduced by the Royal Victorian Agricultural Society and has continued as an annual tribute to the heroism of the Murrells.
Stop 02 - Mentone Triangle
Location: Corners Mentone Parade West and Florence Street, Mentone
The triangular piece of land was once a picturesque garden, designed to enhance the grand entrance to the Mentone Coffee Palace (now Kilbreda College).
In 1896, during the height of depression, the small isle of land was sold. Small and Edwards established an estate agency on the site in 1906 which they maintained for over 50 years.
This unique red brick building is regarded affectionately by locals for its intimate size and location. Four raised pediments and an elegant Edwardian-style veranda give this quaint structure an unmistakable charm.
Stop 03 - Kilbreda College
Location: 118 Mentone Parade, Mentone
Strictly no public access to school grounds
The Mentone Coffee palace marked the pinnacle of Sir Matthew Davies' grand vision of Mentone. Featuring an imposing spire-tower and ornate design, the lavish guesthouse offered sumptuous food and accommodation.
Enjoying only ten prosperous years, economic downturn and competition from the Mentone Hotel forced the unlicensed Palace to close its doors in 1898.
In 1904 the disused property was sold for a bargain price to the Brigidine Sisters who opened a school with only three pupils. Now known as Kilbreda College, the school presently houses over 1,000 students.
Incorporating Greek and Romanesque styles, the building was conceived by Reed, Henderson & Smart. The design is especially significant for its elaborate contrasting brick-render and iron lace work.
Stop 04 - Mentone Primary School
Location: 6 Childers Street, Mentone
Strictly no public access to school grounds
During Mentone's rapid land boom growth, the need for a school became clearly apparent. After some lobbying by townsfolk and developers, the new school building was officially opened in 1889. The launch was celebrated in style, with 60 enrolled students invited to sip tea at the Mentone Coffee Palace.
Depression in the 1890s forced the school to merge with Cheltenham Primary School, sharing just five teachers between them. By 1934 students at Mentone numbered 530 and additional land was acquired from an adjacent timberyard to create a playing area.
Despite subsequent additions, the character of the original single-storey building is still intact, denoted by the main entrance with its steeply pitched tiled roof and timber shingles.
Stop 05 - St Patrick's School
Location: Childers Street, Mentone
Strictly no public access to school grounds
St Patrick's was the first Catholic primary school in the district. Established in 1904 with just 25 pupils, the school was originally housed in the old timber church built in 1885, next to the Coffee Palace.
By 1928 the school had grown to include 150 students and this new redbrick building was erected in Childers Street. Incorporating religious statues and cement decorative dressings, the two story edifice is an attractive example of the unique architectural style adopted by early Catholic schools.
During the 1940s the school doubled as the church while St Patrick's new parish was being erected on the site next door. The church was finally completed in 1960.
Stop 06 - Villa d'Este
Location: 58 Warrigal Road, Corner Warrigal Road and Como Parade East, Mentone
Private property. Strictly no access
One of the most remarkable houses in Mentone is the Villa d'Este, located on the corner of Warrigal Road and Como Parade East.
Featuring a corrugated iron ogee shaped roof (double curved), the house reflects the fashion in European architecture during the late nineteenth century to incorporate oriental decorative devices with Italianate trim.
The name, meaning Villa of the East, is likely both in reference to its appearance and the famous Italian building by the same name which is situated on Lake Como in Italy.
For some years occupied by the Catholic Church, the weatherboard house is extensively decorated with ornate stained glass, ogee shaped archways and attractive bay windows.
Stop 07 - 41 Como Parade East
Location: 41 Como Parade East, Corner Como Parade East and Warrigal Road, Mentone
First two-storey residence. This classic Victorian brick home raises local interest for two distinct reasons.
The first is for its architectural significance. It is the only example of a double-storey nineteenth century dwelling located within the City of Kingston.
Of mildly classicized style, it is characterized by an asymmetrical projecting bay window and double storey balcony.
The second reason is far more perplexing, as conversation turns to answer an unsolved mystery; Why had no occupant ever remained in the house for more than three years?
The first known occupant was G. Waghorn in 1889, followed by a long list of successive buyers. By 1965 the house had been turned into rental flats and is now a medical practice.
Stop 08 - St Augustine's Anglican Church
Location: 90 Como Parade West, Mentone
The foundation stone for St Augustine's church was laid in 1888 on land donated by the Davies family. Modest in size but beautifully adorned, the church building was extended in the 1950s to comprise a traditional cruciform floor plan. The original redbrick building was retained to form the nave of the church and transepts of contrasting grey brick were added.
Surmounted by steeply pitched slate roofs, St Augustine's exudes the quiet charm of a village chapel, replete with stunning stained glass windows and a Finchum pipe organ.
The church is associated with author Manning Clarke. His father, Reverend Clarke, is fondly remembered as being the vicar from 1934 until 1951, where he tended not only to his parishioners but also to the vicarage geese.
Stop 09 - Combers Building
Location: Corner Mentone Parade and Florence Street, Mentone
In 1908 a prominent local man, Mr H. Peterson, built a confectionary store and cafe on this site. Like many other stores in Mentone erected after the land-boom collapse, the small timber structure was a vast contrast to the lavish Coffee Palace building located opposite.
The existing two-storey redbrick building was constructed in 1925-6 by the Comber family. Comprising several shopfronts, each store is divided by decorative stucco columns and crowned by contrasting semicircular pediments.
This image, taken in 1927, features the prominent bay window overlooking the busy street corner. At the time it was S.J. Hendy's - 'Mentone's Leading House for Books, Gramophones, Records, Wireless and Sporting Goods'.
Stop 10 - Abbott Buildings
Location: 133 Mentone Parade, Corner Mentone Parade and Florence Street, Mentone
When others were suffering from the depression of the land boom collapse in the 1890s, Scottish printer John Harkins was purchasing significant properties in Mentone. Among them were three retail outlets on the corner of Mentone Parade and Florence Street - the 'Mentone Emporium' Teahouse & Bakery and a general store.
In 1904 the shops were sold to Abbott and Mason. Abbott eventually built the brick shopfront which is visible today, operating a successful grocery firm until the 1930s.
It was during this time that the prominent corner is remembered as being the site of political debates, where election candidates would make campaign speeches from their soapboxes.
Stop 11 - Old Bakery Building
Granary Lane (Rear of Mentone Dry Cleaners), Mentone
Hahn's Bakery and Post Office
This understated building once housed ovens for a bakery on Florence Street. It was among several structures which were essential to the local baking industry located on Granary Lane, including a round store-house for grain and stables for delivery horses and carts.
From 1928 the bakery was operated by A.E. Hahn who provided the community with bread throughout the lean years of the Depression and rations during the War.
Constructed of solid redbrick, this rustic building retains some of its original rough timberwork.
Stop 12 - State Savings Bank Building
Location: 44 Florence Street, Mentone
This building was constructed in 1926 for the State Savings Bank, which occupied it for almost 50 years.
Like other banks of this era, the building adopts a Free-Classical approach. An elegant rendered facade adorns the two-storey building, with graceful rectangular columns rising from a simple, banded base. Elaborate cornice pieces create an unusual staggered effect at the roofline, while a hint of Art Deco influence can be traced in the patterning of the railings, balustrade and geometric motifs.
In 1974 the building was acquired by Mordialloc Council for the Citizen's Advice Bureau and was later sold to Hodges Real Estate in 1995.
Stop 13 - Laura & Charles Ferguson Museum
Location: Old Bakery Lane (enter via Florence Street), Mentone
The original Mentone Bakery was established on this site in the early 1890s by George Barnett. However, the charming building which now stands here was constructed in 1922-4 by bakers, John Murphy and William Oliver.
Considered a very modern establishment in its time, the bakery is composed simply of two-storey redbrick with a gable-ended roof. Complete with original wood-fire ovens, the old bakery now serves as a local museum and centre for the Mordialloc & District Historical Society.
Featuring a unique collection of photographs and local memorabilia, the museum was renamed in 1999 to honour two well-loved history enthusiasts.
Stop 14 - C. H. Soppett Pavilion
Mentone Reserve, Remo Street, Mentone. Public access from Brindisi Street
During the land boom of the 1880s Davies designated this area for sports and amusements. At considerable cost the swampy paddocks were drained and a recreational hall, skating rink and tennis courts were established.
In 1926 a committee was formed to raise 1200 pounds to build the grandstand. It was opened in 1928; the same year the Mentone Tigers won their first premiership in forty years. The celebrations lasted for weeks.
The pavilion was named after Sol Soppett in recognition of his involvement with the football club. Of typical design, the grandstand is comprised of elevated seating under a simple gable-ended roof, and set with pressed metal ends and a smaller traverse gable.
Stop 15 - Memorial Gates and Drinking Fountain
Location: Keith Styles Reserve, Mentone Parade, Mentone
Memorial gates - The gates were built in 1923 in tribute to 'the glorious men of Mentone who gave their lives for our freedom' during World War 1. Assembled from coarsely hewn granite to resemble ancient monoliths, the gateway is formed by two columns etched with honour rolls and capped with a triangular stone, similar to a classical temple entrance.
Fountain - This obelisk shaped drinking fountain is thought to be the earliest existing monument in Mentone. It was erected in 1910 by the Mentone Progress Association. Shaped from granite with a bluestone base, the fountain was originally situated at the corner of Mentone Parade and Venice Street.
Stop 16 - Mabernoul
Location: 86 Mentone Parade, Mentone
Private dwelling. Strictly no access
Sir Matthews Davies Dwelling
During his impressive career, Sir Matthew Davies worked energetically to realise his vision of Mentone; creating a fashionable resort from rural swamp lands.
Knighted at the age of forty, Davies was an active member of Victorian parliament, solicitor and philanthropist. However, just as Davies' riches had peaked with the land boom of the 1880s, they collapsed just as suddenly.
Despite owning many mansions during his lifetime, Davies ended his days in this classic Victorian bungalow in 1912. Modest but elegant, it is typical of the Italianate style; featuring a hipped roof with bracketed eaves and attractive bay windows.
Stop 17 - Davies Memorial Uniting Church
Location: 74 Venice Street, Mentone
Mentone was moved by news of the passing of Mrs Mary Davies in 1887. Mother to nine children, she had been a tireless worker for the community and devoted member of the Presbyterian church.
In honour of her name, her husband, the brother of Sir Matthew Davies, donated land and raised funds for a new church. The foundation stone was laid in 1889.
The church was styled after the Gothic Revival approach by architect Charles Figgis, who also created the Mentone Hotel.
Comprising a steeply pitched roof, pointed arches and stained glass windows; the redbrick structure is augmented by an elegant steeple with parapets and separate bell tower.
Stop 18 - Frogmore House
Location: 63 Venice Street, Mentone
Inspired by English medieval homesteads, Frogmore House incorporates elements of the Tudor revival and the Arts and Crafts styles of architecture. The two storey residence comprises roughcast walls set with decorative Tudor-style timberwork. A steeply pitched roof clad in Marseilles tiles, features dominant projecting gables, while striking timber arches frame a broad corner veranda and deeply recessed entrance. Floor length stained glass windows and leadlight glass doors add delicate elegance to the otherwise heavy edifice.
The house was initially built on six acres of land sometime before 1891 as the residence for Reverend Robert Fergus. A charming manse, Frogmore House was later sold to Mentone Boys Grammar in 1923.
Stop 19 - Mentone RSL
Location: 9 Palermo Street, Mentone
Riviera Guest House
This striking Italianate building is one of five tower houses built in Mentone during the land-boom of the 1880s. Elaborately decorated with ornamental balustrades and urns, the large octagonal tower commands an impressive view of the bay. For many years, the house was the residence of the Dawson family, but after World War I it was purchased by John Anderson who generously hosted dances to support returned servicemen. In 1946, the property was operated as the Riviera Guest House before being bought by the Mentone Returned Services League (RSL) in 1952.
A stunning view of the RSL and adjacent war memorial is available from Mentone Parade.
Stop 20 - Mentone Hotel
Location: Cnr Beach Road and Mentone Parade, Mentone
The Mentone Hotel is an enduring icon on Mentone's foreshore. Drawing crowds from the nearby beaches, its location opposite the former hot sea baths ensured that it was always a popular destination. Operating since 1888, the hotel was the first licensed venue in the area and provided significant competition to the Coffee Palace.
A majestic building, it features spacious lounges and impressive stairways. A grand entrance tower at the apex of the site is flanked symmetrically by smaller turrets and curved balconies, showing a talented response to the wedge-shaped land.
Architect, C. D. Figgis is responsible for the design. Typical of the land-boom period, Figgis combines an unconventional array of architectural styles and classical elements.
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Review:
A very interesting trail with historical elements at regular intervals. The route is easy to follow if you do the route in number order and use Google maps to find each location.
Photos:
Location
Cnr Como Parade West and Balcombe Road, Mentone 3194 Map
Web Links
→ Historical Walking Trail Mentone
→ Mentone Historical Walking Trail Brochure (PDF)
