Stonington mansion

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.

The house was built in 1890 for John Wagner, owner of the Cobb and Co coaching business, and later became the official residence for seven Victorian Governors between 1901 and 1931. This shift in purpose reflected its growing importance to the state.

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.

The grounds once contained the burial place of Christopher Rous, a young boy whose father held the role of Governor. This intimate connection between family and state office gives the property an unexpected human dimension.