Journey back to 1882. Stamford Park Homestead rises before you. Imagine life as it was when Edward and Emmeline Row built this country residence.
Stamford Park Homestead stands as one of the last substantial 19th-century houses in the region. It showcases Gothic gables. Fretwork barge boards and intricate wrought iron details add to its charm. Five-meter-high ceilings create a sense of grandeur.
For years Stamford Park Homestead fell into disrepair. It was uninhabited since 1987. The Knox Council acquired it in 1988 and started to restore it. The Stamford Park Redevelopment Project brought the house and grounds back to life.
Restaurateur Jason Jones and interior designer Brahman Perera collaborated to restore Stamford Park Homestead. They blended classic and contemporary design elements. Their goal was to create a space reminiscent of early Australian homesteads.
The interior features lush upholsteries. Solid timbers and honed marble create a rich material palette. Natural rattan complements the surrounding gardens and wetlands. Historic furniture pieces collected over many years find new life here. Contemporary artistic gestures overlay these pieces. A 1930s glass pharmaceutical dispensary cabinet is hand-painted. Timber pieces are topped with honed marble. Lounge settings are reupholstered in jewel-toned velvets.
Artwork is thoughtfully curated. Photographic works by Marnie Haddad and textured landscapes by Paul Ryan are displayed. Sheer drapery creates whimsical canopies. Iconic design pieces add contemporary touches. These disrupt the typical homestead style.
Stamford Park Homestead feels like home. Personal touches make the space comfortable. Jason’s grandfather’s violin sits alongside Brahman’s grandfather’s walking stick. A commissioned artwork depicts Perrier-Jouet champagne. Teapots sourced from country Victoria travels and unframed artworks bought at a Parisian flea market add character.
The restoration of Stamford Park Homestead focused on sustainability. It uses existing embodied energy. This reduces waste. Local Australian-certified materials were used. These materials age gracefully. Low VOC paints, adhesives, sealants, and carpets were chosen. The design aims for enduring quality and timeless beauty.
The redevelopment includes extensive gardens and grounds. These complement the homestead. Consultation with the council and landscapers ensured respect for the original gardens.
Today Stamford Park Homestead welcomes visitors. A courtyard café, restaurant, and event spaces are available. The café serves a seasonally-driven Australian-European menu. Private dining spaces are available. The “Little Sparrow” room caters for up to 14 people. The “Grand Row Room” caters for up to 36.
Jason Jones says Stamford Park’s location, architecture, and history make it special. The food sourced from Victoria and relaxed ambiance add to the appeal. Views over the wetlands are a bonus. He aimed to mix the past with the present.
Step onto the verandah. Look out over the gardens and wetlands. Imagine the Rows enjoying this view. Picture the homestead in its heyday. Stamford Park Homestead is not just a building. It is a living piece of history that connects us to the past.