Como House and Garden

Como House and Garden is a historic mansion and landscaped estate in South Yarra, within the City of Stonnington, Melbourne, Victoria. Built in 1847 and extended in the 1850s-1870s, it is regarded as one of Australia's finest examples of Australian Regency architecture. Managed by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), the property preserves original interiors, outbuildings and a period garden overlooking the Yarra River, reflecting colonial domestic life of the Armytage family who lived there for nearly a century.

Visitors can explore a two-storey Regency mansion with original furnished rooms, servants' quarters, stables and laundry, accessed via guided tours. The surrounding heritage garden features lawns, mature trees, flower beds and views toward the Yarra River and Como Park. The site includes a gift shop and cafe in the former stables, picnic areas on the lawns, and interpretive displays about colonial domestic life. The garden is open for self-guided walks while the house interior is viewed only on guided tours.

Como House was built in 1847 for Edward Eyre Williams and purchased in 1864 by Charles Armytage, whose family occupied it until 1959. Extended in stages during the 1850s-1870s, it demonstrates the evolution of Australian Regency architecture adapted to colonial conditions. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and classified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) in 1959, representing one of Melbourne's earliest and most intact colonial estates.

The property is significant as a rare intact example of mid-19th century colonial domestic life and garden design in Victoria. It preserves original furnishings, artworks and outbuildings illustrating the lifestyle of a prominent pastoral family. Managed by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), it serves as a cultural and educational site interpreting Melbourne's colonial heritage and historic garden conservation.