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INFO@POETSLANE.COM.AU

+61 3 9755 2044
LOCATION

Cnr Sherbrooke Rd & Poets Lane,
Sherbrooke VIC 3789

43km From Melbourne CBD

Book a tour.

We would be delighted to show you the venue in person. Poet’s Lane is open daily for private tours between 10.00am and 3.00pm by appointment.

History of Poet’s Lane

Part One – 1909 to 1948

Early Settlement

The original property was part of a 10-acre allotment, which was first settled by Lauritz Larsen in June 1909.

A Country Home

In 1919, a Collins St Medical Practitioner, Francis Morton bought the property and constructed his private residence.

A Gentleman’s Retreat

In 1933 Charles Wilson, an English gentleman and bachelor, bought the property and the adjacent one now known as Candlewood. Mr Wilson was a merchant and grocer in Elizabeth Street and had the contract to supply fruit and vegetables to the Victorian Parliament House.

Mr Wilson joined the many well-to-do Melbourne businessmen making Sherbrooke Road a fashionable place of the hills to spend their weekends with their friends and families. It was also at this time that Burnham Beeches was being constructed and Alfred Nicholas (Merchant and Aspro Manufacturer) was in residence.

In the early 1930s many European trees were introduced to the area and provide us with breathtaking autumn displays to this day. The splendid oak tree that sits adjacent to our gazebo space is from this period.

The Cottage – Children’s Hospital

In 1938, Charles Wilson donated the property to the Royal Children’s Hospital, and the buildings became affectionately known as the ‘Convalescent Cottage’. Verandas were enclosed to increase floor space and doors were widened for ease of access.

The cottage specialised in the general convalescence of children. Many of the boys and girls suffered from Ricketts, T.B., Pneumonia and Epilepsy, some were malnourished as a result of poverty. Sister Milburn and Matron Buchanan, assisted by Mick & Dulcie Seamer looked after up to 15 children. Milk for the children was donated from the dairy cows on Alfred Nicholas’ property.

 

Part Two – 1948 to 1995

Sherbrooke Paradise

In 1948 the property was purchased by a Melbourne psychiatrist and became the Sherbrooke Paradise Karma, a Kosher Health Retreat.

Gypsy Princess – The Rustic Look

Towards the end of the 1950s, the building’s interiors were transformed. This time the theme was the popular ‘rustic’ style of Hills restaurants during the late 50s, with timber-clad walls and heavy wooden beams. Renamed the ‘Gypsy Princess’, the building now served as a Hungarian restaurant, with staff dressed in traditional gypsy costumes to complete the effect.

In the 1960s, motel-style accommodation was added under the name of Sherbrooke Paradise Motel.

After more than 20 years of operation, the Sherbrooke Paradise Motel & Gypsy Princess Restaurant was sold.

Robin Hood Motel/Restaurant

The property came under the operation of a Polish family, and was run as the Robin Hood Restaurant from 1985 to 1990.

Sherbrooke House – A Return To Elegance

In December 1990 the property changed hands again. Ray Hall & Rob Hansen, coming from Burnham Beeches, introduced a sophisticated turn-of-the-century look. Furnishings in the Art Nouveau style were researched and collected to recreate the look of the original property. The authentic style of Bentwood chairs, the mahogany-cased Grand Piano (circa 1830), and original pedestal ‘lady lamps’ of the 1920s (sourced from the Savoy Hotel in London) were featured.

 

PartThree – 1995 and Beyond

A New Beginning

In December 1995, David and Michelle Straughton bought the property and renamed it Poet’s Lane – making this property the most renamed in the Hills.

The name Poet’s Lane comes from the lane that runs beside the property and is reportedly in honour of a group of poets – the Sunnyside Group – that regularly walked past. The group included literary notables such as Tom Roberts, C.J. Dennis and Nettie & Vance Palmer.

A whirlwind renovation program was begun, retaining the best features of Sherbrooke House. The fine dining restaurant was closed to allow for a larger function room.

Over the last 2 decades, the property has undergone several updates. It is a beautiful, tranquil location where couples share a very special day with their loved ones.

Poet’s Lane is now an elegant venue for Wedding Receptions and Functions catering for 80 to 180 guests.