Tay Creggan

Architect: Robert Guyon Purchas, 1893, 1839

City of Boroondara | B01

Building Description

Tay Creggan, a magnificent heritage building on the Yarra, was built as a family home by architect Robert Guyon Purchas in 1893. It showcases Victoria’s finest examples of Victorian Queen Anne Revival with elements of Elizabethan Revival, 19th Century Eclecticism, Arts and Crafts, Picturesque Gothic and Art Nouveau.

Giving a glimpse into the life of wealthy Victorians in the era, the building is notable for its fine detailing and unique mix of architectural elements. It includes an elaborate roof turret structure covered with Marseilles pattern tiles and terracotta ridging, and red brick facade rough-cast with brown woodwork and bay windows with diamond leadlight. Inside, the ballroom features three stained-glass cupolas, four wooden dragon gargoyles, a huge inglenook fireplace in Scottish oak, and an orchestra pit!

Famous guests include Princess Margaret, Anna Pavlova and the Ballets Russes, and artist Constance Stokes. The ornate front rooms were used to film the Hollywood adaptation of Charlotte’s Web. In 1969, Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar purchased Tay Creggan and opened Australia’s first independent Year 9 girls’ campus.

What's On

See fine examples of Victorian Queen Anne Revival and elements of Elizabethan Revival, 19th Century Eclecticism, Arts and Crafts, Picturesque Gothic and Art Nouveau.

Location