One of a pair of 2 storey ruled render terraces with quoins to corners and plain moulded string course to parapet. The timber fretwork single storey verandah is believed to be the original form. The stables to the rear are noteworthy. [from i-Heritage Database]
One of a pair of houses built at the same time by the same builder but for different owners. This house was built for John Munro Bruce, father of Stanley Melbourne Bruce. He married, at the house, his wife, Mary Ann Henderson in 1872, and remained there through the birth of their first child the following year, but then moved to St. Kilda. He retained ownership of the house leasing to various tenants until about 1879 when he sold to Mrs. Margaret (Minnie) Richardson. At this time the house was known as 7 Jolimont Terrace. Mrs. Richardson added the name Bromo House. The Rate Books have Mrs. Richardson as the occupant until 1890, but the Argus ran To Let ads in 1885, "BROMO HOUSE, Jolimont-terrace, eight rooms, stabling, coachbouse, man’s room, wash-house." Mrs. Richardson continued to own the house until c.1900 but from 1890 it was tenanted. In 1890 the address became 20 Jolimont Terrace. From 1905 the owner was Margaret Williams and she owned it until at least 1930. In 1900 James Rogers became tenant. He was headmaster of Richmond Central School in Gleadell Street. He died in 1901 leaving his wife, Janet, and children including Elva, as tenants. Elva advertised in the Argus in 1903 that "Having Returned from Her Tour with MADAME MELBA. Will RESUME TUITION in PIANO and SINGING On MONDAY. 6th INST. Open for Engagements, Concerts, At Homes, &c. Bromo, Jolimont." The family remained there until c.1916. Other various tenants followed. The house was advertised for sale in 1937 as, "Two-story Bk. Residence, Slate Roof, 6 R., Outbuildings, &c. Let at £91 Per Annum. LAND 30ft. x 173ft. 6in., with Double Frontage Through to Charles Street, at Rear. An Excellent Site for the Erection of Flats, Guest House, etc." The address changed to 28 Jolimont Terrace in the early 1950s. The land has now been subdivided, and the coachhouse at the rear has become a separate residence with the address 28 Charles Street.
Owners: 1865-1879: John Munro Bruce, father of Stanley Melbourne Bruce, Prime Minister 1923-1929. 1879-1900c: Mrs. Margaret (Minnie) Richardson, widow of James Sinclair Richardson, merchant. 1905c.-1930c: Margaret Williams Occupants 1865-1874c: John Munro Bruce, wife and child 1875c: C. Ogg 1878c: Mrs. Montague Harvie/Harvey 1879-1890c: Mrs. Margaret Richardson 1890c: William Hartnell and wife, Emma Susan. She died 1890. 1895c: Norman McLennan 1900c.-1916. James Rogers, headmaster of Richmond Central School, and family. Daughter, Elva, was a singing and piano teacher. He died 1901. 1918c: William B. Gemmell and wife, Mary Augusta 1920c.-1930c: Margaret Trebilco (Mrs. J. Trebilco) and husband
City of Melbourne, i-Heritage Database: http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/BuildingandPlanning/Planning/heritagepla... Burchett Index. City of Melbourne, Notices of Intent to Build: 25 Jan 1865, Reg. No. 673 City of Melbourne Rate Books, Latrobe and Albert wards Argus, 15 Aug 1885, p.7; 4 Apr 1903, p.20