Description

Monomeith—sometimes spelled Monomeath—is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay for its strong associations as the home of the regionally prominent contractor, politician and engineer, James Styles.

One of a small number of surviving maritime villas constructed by important local people along The Strand during the nineteenth century when it was an important and fashionable address, it is also significant for its association with the Melbourne Harbour Trust and its use as a migrant hostel during the 1950s, which demonstrates the influence of postwar migration upon the municipality.

Aesthetically, the 1888 house is a rare local example of a near-original, richly-decorated and successfully-designed Victorian Italianate villa, enhanced by its elevated site and complemented by the cast iron palisade fence. It forms part of a small group of Victorian-era villas in this part of The Strand.

What's On

Come tour the building and the sailors' dorms. Students will give history tours throughout the day and provide historical facts and information about the port of Williamstown.