Stonington mansion, Renaissance Revival mansion in Malvern, Australia

Stonington is a Renaissance Revival mansion in Malvern featuring two floors with ornate timber joinery, detailed plaster work, and carefully crafted parquetry throughout its interior. The building showcases the architectural style of this period through its decorative elements and crafted finishes.

John Wagner, a partner in Cobb and Co coaches, built the house in 1890 to a design by architect Charles D'Ebro. The Victorian Government leased it in 1901 as the Governor of Victoria's residence and bought it with its contents in 1928. It served as Government House until 1931, when the state leased it to St Margaret's School.

The mansion takes its name from Stonington, Connecticut, the birthplace of John Wagner's wife Mary, linking Australian and American heritage through the building itself.

The property sits on Glenferrie Road and is visible from the street, with original outbuildings including stables, a gatehouse, and decorative iron gates marking the entrance. Visitors can view the exterior and grounds from the street frontage.

Christopher Rous, aged nine, died of leukaemia in the house in 1925 while his father, the Earl of Stradbroke, was Governor of Victoria, and was buried in the grounds. Local lore holds that his ghost still haunts the mansion.