Historical information

Built for William Wilmot Couche (1829-1890) probably in 1869. The architect was Lloyd Tayler (1830-1900) and it was designed in the polychromatic Lombardic style that had been introduced to Melbourne by the architect Joseph Reed (1822-1890). Couch was a prominent merchant and businessman. He founded the firm Couch Calder & Co, was director of several insurance companies and a member of the Melbourne Harbour Trust for many years. From about 1900 the house was renamed Wavenhoe. In the 1920s Wavenoe Avenue was constructed through its gardens and most of the land sold off including the blocks at the corner of Hotham Street and Alma Road. The house still stands opposite St Kilda cemetery.

Physical description

black and white photograph copy