Yamala Mansion

Description

Yamala was one of the earliest mansions built on Oliver’s Hill. It was purchased in 1876 by Sir John Madden (1844-1918) who later became Chief Justice of Victoria, and was appointed Lieutenant Governor in 1899; however at Yamala Madden raised cows, and pursued his hobbies of carpentry and house painting, allowing him to play the role of a country squire.

In the 1920s, the Griffins designed renovations for Yamala, whose then-owner also had business interests in Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre, which shares the distinctive architectural stamp of these architects. Some garden landscaping, a concrete pergola and the gateway entrance to Yamala Drive – a striking (re-cast) example of their work – are the only portions of the building modifications to survive later subdivision.

The 1920s playground ‘Frivolity Park’, where Frankston Pier joins the shore, also featured a series of little pavilions built to a Griffin design. Sadly, these have since been demolished.