Allanton House
East Melbourne, Grey Street 115, Allanton House
A symmetrical, double fronted, two storey house of bluestone with a timber verandah on the ground floor. 115 Grey Street is one of the oldest surviving houses in East Melbourne. It is a fine example of the early Victorian style with its Georgian inspired symmetry and restrained ornament. Its bluestone construction is lightened by the delicate timber verandah.
The house was built in 1854 for Thomas Nesbit Wilson to the design of Wharton & Burns, architects. Wilson was a grain and produce merchant, and in 1863 he advertised “Potatoes. Good examples, in quantities to suit purchasers. T.N. Wilson, corner Lonsdale and Spencer Streets.” In 1862 Wilson built a six room brick house next door, on the corner of Powlett Street (now demolished).