Como House and Garden
Como House and Garden
4
About
Built in 1847, Como is an intriguing mix of Australian Regency and classic Italianate architecture. This time-capsule of Melbourne aristocracy spans a century from the Gold Rush era through two World Wars. Como offers a glimpse into the privileged lifestyle of former owners, the Armytage family, who lived there for nearly a century. The Armytages became famous amongst Melbourne high society and equally famous for their many elegant dances, dinners and receptions. Those elegant dining and reception rooms are still furnished with Armytage family heirlooms and even the servant’s areas, kitchen and laundry have been preserved. Bring your own picnic and wander through the beautiful gardens. Immerse yourself in the history and luxury that make Como Melbourne’s most glamorous location.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
137 reviews
Excellent
50
Very good
60
Average
16
Poor
5
Terrible
6
Mark B
Melbourne, Australia248 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Pre purchased tickets for the Doll House Miniature Worlds of Wonder, tickets state 12:30 pm to 4pm…….cut to us arriving 3 15pm and being denied entry. The house isn’t massive, we wouldn’t have spent more than 20 mins in the exhibition but nope, refused entry. Don’t sell people tickets that state you have until 4pm to visit to then turn people away. Kinda shoddy business practice. Were tickets exceptionally expensive no, would I return ummmm absolutely not. On principle. The staff member who turned us away wasn’t able to advise why we couldn’t enter, just a no. Ok then. I won’t return.
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveller
Melbourne, Australia17,413 contributions
Jan 2023
My wife and I visited this place recently for the first time, even though our house is merely 6 kilometres from here. We had seen this place featured in a TV series called "Picnic at Hanging Rock" and decided to visit. We have been to Rippon Lea Mansion and Gardens and also to Werribee Mansion and Gardens.
Como House, South Yarra, Victoria: Built in 1847 for the barrister Edward Eire Williams and his family, he named the house after Lake Como in Italy. The single storey house stood on 22ha of land, sweeping down to the Yarra River.
In 1853, the house was purchased by wealthy Wine and Spirit merchant John Brown, who added a second storey. Charles and Caroline Armytage, wealthy pastoralists purchased Como in 1864. In 1959, after 95 years of Armytage family ownership, Charles and Caroline’s last surviving children, Constance and Leila, sold the Como estate to newly formed National Trust of Australia (Victoria).
Como House, South Yarra, Victoria: Built in 1847 for the barrister Edward Eire Williams and his family, he named the house after Lake Como in Italy. The single storey house stood on 22ha of land, sweeping down to the Yarra River.
In 1853, the house was purchased by wealthy Wine and Spirit merchant John Brown, who added a second storey. Charles and Caroline Armytage, wealthy pastoralists purchased Como in 1864. In 1959, after 95 years of Armytage family ownership, Charles and Caroline’s last surviving children, Constance and Leila, sold the Como estate to newly formed National Trust of Australia (Victoria).
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Swisshen
Perth, Australia2,354 contributions
May 2021
Sadly the house is closed until June, but the gardens are compact but pretty. There are benches dotted around the property and nicely kept lawns if you fancy a picnic. We enjoyed watching the Rainbow Lorikeets by the small pond. The toilets are located by 'The Stables' café.
Written May 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob D
London, UK29 contributions
Although I haven't been to the house the cafe is worth an independent visit. Sat outside for breakfast on a sunny day was perfect. Friendly staff and good food (and coffee). Would highly recommend as a brunch spot.
Written February 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Makingmemories13
Brisbane, Australia531 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
We booked a tour of this house and as always the tour guide was full of wonderful information. The house and gardens are well maintained and while some work is being done at the moment, it did not interfere with looking around. There is a little cafe on site too which we enjoyed after our tour.
Written June 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindadownunder
Perth, Australia2,949 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Como House and surrounding gardens are well worth a visit when in the area.
We came across them while walking down to the river,
We didn't do a tour but walking in the gardens are free admission.
Enjoy a coffee at the Stables while you are there.
We came across them while walking down to the river,
We didn't do a tour but walking in the gardens are free admission.
Enjoy a coffee at the Stables while you are there.
Written May 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your lovely comments about the Como House. We hope that you can return soon to enjoy our house tours which start after our Como Fashion exhibition finishes in July.
Written June 5, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sheryl B
Melbourne, Australia121 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
We went on a guided tour of Como Historic House and really enjoyed it. Our tour guide was Jess and she was very informative. It was very interesting to see how the upper classes lived in the early settlement of Melbourne. I also was impressed in the respect given to the original land owners the Kulin nation. I would recommend visiting Como House if you want to learn a little about Melbournes history. It's a 1 hour tour and the cost is $15.00.
Written March 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henry M
Canberra, Australia197 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
There is ample to see and a huge garden that would rival even the Melbourne Zoo... well not so much but it is very very big.
The Como grounds has a cafe which requires booking in advance; otherwise don't bother showing up without a booking / reservation because you'll wait 30 minutes to an hour to get seating.
You are greeted with outdoor seating which I would avoid and look for larger seating arrangements with a proper table and seating of 4 or better; as the tables and chairs are small and especially cramped.
The coffees are okay, but the food is average; and what's more, it is expensive; however you won't find another cafe any where in walking distance; the experience it offers you, is the view of the gardens and surrounding buildings. You won't get that any where else in close proximity.
The Como grounds has a cafe which requires booking in advance; otherwise don't bother showing up without a booking / reservation because you'll wait 30 minutes to an hour to get seating.
You are greeted with outdoor seating which I would avoid and look for larger seating arrangements with a proper table and seating of 4 or better; as the tables and chairs are small and especially cramped.
The coffees are okay, but the food is average; and what's more, it is expensive; however you won't find another cafe any where in walking distance; the experience it offers you, is the view of the gardens and surrounding buildings. You won't get that any where else in close proximity.
Written December 14, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JULMAR R
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
Unless you're in Melbourne on one of two Sat/Sun a month. you won't get to see inside this house. Shame when properties are said to be for the benefit of the public. Unless you can get 10 people in a group, that is the only way to see it during the week.
Written April 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Merilyn_S_12
London, UK943 contributions
Apr 2014 • Solo
Take the number 8 tram from the cbd and get off at william street (it's at the top of the hill). It takes about 20 minutes in the tram to get there. Como Historic House is lovely, great grounds, and the house has many old antiques inside. Lovely place to go.
Written March 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Main entrance is on Williams Road, just before it makes a left veer to Alexandra Avenue. It is well signposted at the front gate. As you enter you will see the ticket office. However you cannot park outside the gate on Williams Road, you are best to park in the street on the side, just before the entrance, which may be Lechlade Street as others have said. There is also an entrance on Lechlade Street to the cafe. You can enter there, but then you need to find you way to the ticket office to get entry to the house. The cafe is great for a coffee, morning tea or lunch before or after your visit. On my last visit you can walk around the gardens for free, its just the house that requires a ticket.
Written May 1, 2017
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