Manor History
As you walk inside the beautiful Manor House a feeling of peace strikes you as the high ceilings, timber wall paneling, a beautiful chandelier, gilded mirrors and marble fireplaces reflect a time of comfort and security.
The house "Morven" was built in 1888 by Archibald Cook, owner of the Victoria Ferry Service over the Yarra. The house was a gift for his son William Sym on the occasion of his marriage to Ella Louise Allchin of "Sutton Grange", another pioneer Mornington family. The young couple were enthusiastic gardeners and converted their five acre block into parkland famous for its collection of Australian shrubs and plants , including the stately Norfolk Pines that were used as a navigating aid in Port Phillip Bay for 100 years and are still such a prominent landmark today.
In 1951, "Morven" was purchased by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence as a holiday home for elderly people needing a change of sea air. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Telford purchased it in 1970, restored the house as a luxurious reception centre and renamed it "Morven Manor". In 1980, Morven Manor was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Colin Johnston to establish one of the first retirement villages in Victoria and is still recognised as one of the most beautiful retirement villages in Australia.
The house "Morven" was built in 1888 by Archibald Cook, owner of the Victoria Ferry Service over the Yarra. The house was a gift for his son William Sym on the occasion of his marriage to Ella Louise Allchin of "Sutton Grange", another pioneer Mornington family. The young couple were enthusiastic gardeners and converted their five acre block into parkland famous for its collection of Australian shrubs and plants , including the stately Norfolk Pines that were used as a navigating aid in Port Phillip Bay for 100 years and are still such a prominent landmark today.
In 1951, "Morven" was purchased by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence as a holiday home for elderly people needing a change of sea air. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Telford purchased it in 1970, restored the house as a luxurious reception centre and renamed it "Morven Manor". In 1980, Morven Manor was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Colin Johnston to establish one of the first retirement villages in Victoria and is still recognised as one of the most beautiful retirement villages in Australia.
