History

Waverley House (circa1880) provides guests with the opportunity to stay in historic surroundings in one of the very few freestone houses on the Great Ocean Road. This mansion was formerly owned by Edward Lascelles, one of the founders of today’s wool industry. His descendants continued to reside here until recent times.

Many famous people, including the renowned opera singer Dame Nellie Melba and other members of Melbourne’s “high society”, were known to have stayed at the property. The 1939 bushfires (Black Friday), which ravaged Lorne and much of Victoria, severely damaged Waverley House, which was abandoned for some years.

In the 1950’s the house was repaired and converted into two flats, one of which was reoccupied by the Lascelles sisters. Well-known garden designer Hilda Marriott’s work is still evident through much of the property, and is much admired by both guests and their visitors.

The current owner carried out extensive renovations in 1997 restoring much of the charm of the property, providing six individual apartments, and one two bedroom apartment with a separate living area. All of the self-contained apartments are decorated with period style furniture, queen size beds, including some with spas and balconies.