Historical information

Stanton Drew was a two storey stucco rendered bluestone house was constructed in 1864 for Major Alexander Davidson, a Scottish born pastoralist who had earlier in 1848 settled on the Wando River near Casterton. Stanton Drew is a characteristic pattern book, regency gothic villa and virtually devoid of ornamentation save for unusually fenestrated bay windows and window label mouldings.

Stanton Drew is a late example in Victoria of the primitive regency gothic style of villa architecture popularised by pattern books of the period 1840-60. The two storey house is an undistinguished design most notable for its associations with Western District pastoralist Alexander Davidson.

No important historical associations are apparent, although the Davidson family lived in the residence until c.1908.
Stanton Drew is in an extremely dilapidated state and has suffered badly form subsidence and lack of regular maintenance. The slate roof has been replaced with iron.

The house was originally named Wando Villa by Davidson in memory of his time at Wando River. The house was renamed in 1938.

Physical description

Black and white photo. View of the front of 'Stanton-Drew' house, Portland.

Inscriptions & markings

Back: 'STANTON-DREW, PORTLAND, VICTORIA, 1971' -handwritten black biro.
Purple stamp 'ALEX PRIESTLEY BOX 155 PHONE 309 HEYWOOD VIC 3304'