Labassa Mansion — Attraction in Melbourne

Labassa in Caulfield North is a beautiful National trust mansion/museum built in 1862 and lived in by more than 700 residents over an 130 year period.

Labassa mansion stands as a testament to the opulence and grandeur of the 19th century. As I stepped through its doors during the twilight open house viewing, I was immediately struck by the striking architectural details and the palpable sense of history that permeated every corner.

The mansion's meticulously preserved interiors, adorned with intricate period furnishings and stunning ornate ceilings, offered a glimpse into a bygone era of wealth and extravagance. Labassa is one of few Victorian era mansions to survive with its interiors relatively intact. It was evident that Labassa was more than just a building; it was a living museum, where each room whispered stories of its past inhabitants.

Guided by knowledgeable volunteers, the tour brought the history of Labassa to life. With each step, I learned more about the families who built and once called this mansion home and the societal intricacies of the time. The guide's passion for the mansion's history was infectious, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Before the tour commenced, we had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful box of sandwiches and cake in the mansion's front garden. The serene surroundings provided the perfect prelude to the evening ahead, allowing me to soak in the beauty of Labassa's exterior before delving into its rich interior.

However, amidst the grandeur, there was a hint of neglect. The upper floor of the mansion, which reflected the most recent residents who only moved out in the 1990s, appeared worn and tired in comparison to the luxurious rooms downstairs. Labassa definitely needs some funding and love to bring it up to the standard of the downstairs rooms, which boast original ceilings, wallpaper, pieces of furniture and lighting.

Despite this, my twilight visit to Labassa Mansion was a truly memorable experience. From the captivating interiors to the knowledgeable guides and serene gardens, every aspect of the evening was meticulously curated to provide visitors with a glimpse into Melbourne's architectural and historical heritage. Whether you're a history buff, an architectural enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique cultural experience, Labassa Mansion is a must-visit...

Splendiferous! What took me so long to get here?? Continuously occupied from 1863 to relatively recent times as subdivided flats.

Story of splendour to disrepair & restoration. From Melb's gold rush wealthy, well heeled occupants to WW refugees, migrants to arty, musical, bohemian psychedelics & students. All have left their indelible mark in this stately home. Fortuitously acquired by National Trust in 1980 & now partially restored. Reflects the heritage & history in this context.

Uniquely Melb's heritage - then a far flung remote outpost as a fledgling colony where exquisite & fine materials were shipped enduring long & precarious voyage. Melb's early settlement did however have skilled builders & craftsmen to create such lavish grandeur.

This is one of Nat Trust premier properties that has volunteers aplenty thankfully. Join the guided tours on the open days (3rd Sun of mth) - pre-booking advised via Nat Trust website. No parking onsite or on street but free parking in nearby streets or take public transport.

Tearoom is excellent but not the antiquated toilet (gross!). Definitely do the Tower climb tour for the stunning views. Need a few hours take it in all properly. Tours are run for different parts of this stately home. While volunteer guides do a great job - some are inaudible for larger groups esp when doing the outside building tour.

As for the rest - will let the attached pics elaborate the magnificent details - exterior mottled pink marble inset & Hellenistic figureheads facade, uniquely curved original glass windows, ornate ceiling cornices & paintings, gilded wallpaper, grand staircase, rooms & everything in...

Idk bro the place is stunningly beautiful but most of the staff was mad disrespectful to people paying to go inside. Only a few nice volunteers working there, and the rest of the staff honestly make you very uncomfortable. Should be run by better people in my opinion, cause they give it a really bad look to Labassa and to the national trust. Very judgey and stuck up people. They look at you funny for using a phone and taking photos, like you pay $25 for them to follow you around and not let you do shi. There was rules for no flash and other people were using flash and you could see it through the hallway where the volunteers stood but they would ignore them and continue to single out certain people who are doing absolute nothing wrong. I touched a pillar for 3 seconds and immediately got yelled at my heart sank and I was so scared that I ended up leaving. Instead they could ask nicely but they continue to yell at people instead of treating them nicely. They act like they’re better than you for running the place. Im really into fashion and history but because I’m 18 walking around with a phone and camera they judge me. The volunteers would snicker at me which was not nice and not respect you. I tried so hard to respect this beautiful place but seeing how rude they treated others especially Asian tourists and me I was so done with the place. Besides the whole upstairs is not done up, it’s only the hallway, stairs and three rooms that are actually nice. Most of them are elderly like bro they should stop volunteering cause they all gonna have a heart attack with the way they keep going on attacking young people. Anyway never...