Stonington was built in 1890 as the family residence of John Wagner, a founding partner in the iconic Cobb & Co coach service in Victoria. The residence was designed by London-born architect, Charles D’Ebro, who also designed other Melbourne landmarks including Georges in Collins Street and the Prahran Town Hall.
In 1901 whilst the Commonwealth Parliament was located in Melbourne, Stonington became the vice-regal residence for seven State Governors until 1931.
The mansion’s first association with education came when it served as St. Margaret’s School from 1931-1938. After a short period as an after-care centre for polio patients, the onset of World War 2 saw the Red Cross making use of the house and grounds as a convalescent hospital.
In a return to an educational focus, Stonington became home to Toorak Teachers’ College in 1957 and in 1973 to the State College of Victoria, and Victoria College in 1981, which merged with Deakin University in 1992. Whilst the City of Stonnington takes its name from the mansion, the residence has since reverted to its original spelling.
