“A wedding gift?” you might ask. Yes, you heard right! This grand Villa Alba, was a token of love, a testament to a love story that unfolded over a century ago. This Italianate mansion, built in the 1880s, was a gift from William Greenlaw to his beloved Anna Maria McEvoy. William, a man of stature, rose to become the General Manager of the Colonial Bank of Australasia. He bestowed upon his bride this architectural marvel. It stands majestically with its rendered masonry walls and a slate roof, a silent sentinel overlooking the picturesque Yarra River. Step inside, and you’ll be transported back to the era of ‘Marvellous Melbourne’. The interior, a masterpiece in itself, was entrusted to the hands of the renowned Paterson Brothers. The same artisans who graced the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Town Hall with their artistry, poured their talent into Villa Alba. Look up and be mesmerized by the intricately painted and stencilled ceilings, a symphony of colors and patterns. Feast your eyes on the trompe l’oeil effects, a testament to the skill of the craftsmen. Two magnificent panoramic murals, each stretching an impressive 40 feet, transport you to the scenic beauty of Sydney Harbour and the historical grandeur of Edinburgh. Today, Villa Alba stands not just as a museum but as a time capsule, preserving the legacy of the Greenlaws and the grandeur of a bygone era.
Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos Statue
Can you imagine a sculpture carved out of a tree trunk? This is no ordinary sculpture, it’s the story of