La Trobe’s Cottage

Architect: 1839-40 Manning of London

City of Melbourne | C64

Building Description

Originally constructed at Lieutenant-Governor La Trobe’s Jolimont estate, the 1839-built dining room adjoins the largely reconstructed two-room prefabricated cottage. La Trobe’s Cottage is of architectural significance as an example, although largely a reconstruction, of an early prefabricated house designed by Manning of London. As such, it is indicative of the rudimentary nature of housing provisions in the new colony. The kitchen and servants’ block provide insight into domestic life in the 1840s and the present complex of buildings contain some of La Trobe’s furniture and personal effects. The garden and wooded surroundings are similar to the original setting of the cottage. While prefabricated houses were imported into Australia in large numbers in the middle of the 19th century, this is a particularly early example and one of the few still surviving. The locally built dining room is the oldest identified example of stud frame construction in the world and is Melbourne’s oldest building.

What's On

La Trobe’s Cottage will be open for self-guided viewing, with volunteers on hand throughout to answer questions.

Location