HistoryThis Victorian Italianate-style villa was designed and built in 1889 by distinguished architect John Beswicke. The house was built for John Yates Presswell, a solicitor. The building is regarded today as a fine and intact example of a large Victorian Italianate villa that has retained its original iron palisade fence with masonry plinth and posts. Its most attractive features include a prominent, two-storey arcaded verandah and cast-cement keystones feature a bas-relief heron, indicative of an Aesthetic Movement influence.
Methodist Ladies’ College purchased the building in 1967 around which time the College also acquired the three houses immediately south of “Wentworth”, facing onto Glenferrie Road. In 1982, all those properties, save “Wentworth”, were razed to make way for the College’s Centenary Building.
Until 1982, the College used “Wentworth” as an informal centre for senior students. The building is now home to art studios and is known as “Art House.” An indigenous garden has been planted on the front gardens and is used for teaching and special gatherings. Address207, Barkers Road, Kew, Victoria, 3101, AustraliaDate1967 - Building StatusCurrent Building
