Historical information

‘Reno’, stood on the east side of St John’s Parade. Its earliest recorded owner was the architect Samuel Cocking who lived there from c.1865 until his death in 1888. The original landholding was bordered by Cotham Road, Glenferrie Road, Wellington Street, and Charles Street. The southern portion of this land included a fine orchard, with many imported trees. The old summer house, at first in the orchard, was later removed to the house garden. The MMBW Detail Plan No.1576 (1904) shows the remaining portion of the original land holding, including a semi-circular pathway at the front, and garden features such as an aviary, a fountain and grotto, and a fernery. The garden including rare plants supplied by Baron Von Mueller, surrounds the cottage in a tangled frenzy. Despite a ‘local significance’ classification by the National Trust, the house was demolished in 1977.

Physical description

Partial view, north side of the weatherboard cottage in St John's Parade, Kew, known as 'Reno' (demolished 1977). Architectural elements revealed in this photo by John T Collins include: two wing, hip roof construction; external buildings at angles to main wing; corrugated iron roofing [over shingles]; brick chimney external to building; unvarnished/unpainted external weatherboards. General dilapidated condition.

Inscriptions & markings

"Kew 'Reno' 10 St Johns Pde / John Collins, 11 Anderson Road, Hawthorn East, 3123, Film 35B Exposure 27"