Stamford Park Melbourne by Jason Jones & Brahman Perera

Restaurateur Jason Jones and interior designer Brahman Perera have reimagined the historic Stamford Park Homestead in Rowville, Victoria. A magnificent example of 19th-century architecture, the property and its surrounding 6-acre grounds lay abandoned since 1987 and were almost derelict by the time Jones and Perera came to the rescue. After three-years of restorative TLC, the country manor is open to the public as a café and restaurant.

Stamford Park was a true passion project for Jones, who realized a long-held dream of opening a homestead since age 11, when he was the resident pianist at the Gippsland ballroom restaurant Powerscourt Country House. He says his vision for Stamford Park “is to see the old girl once again be used as she was intended – a place of hospitality, serenity and celebration”.

Playing on the intrinsic European origins of early Australian homesteads, the interiors straddle both classic and modern style reflecting both the rich history and current evolution of the home. Lush upholsteries, mixed solid timbers, honed marble and natural rattan form a rich material palette. The assemblage of historic furnishings spans multiple eras, collected by the couple over many years, including an original grandfather clock in the private dining room.

Borrowing from the tonality and textures of the surrounding gardens and wetlands, Perera combines elegant statement pieces with brilliant colour and modern detailing. Crisp plaster pendants, sheer drapery, stiff silks and expansive artworks by the likes of Marnie Haddad and Paul Ryan imbue the homestead with an exaggerated sense of ceremony and whimsy, crafting an enchanting experience for guests.

Entertaining areas are spread across deep gabled verandas, a central ‘Secret Garden’ courtyard, a grand dining room and a series of other interior spaces including a parlour and library bar. The now restored grounds, including an ornamental lake, will be available for events and weddings throughout the year, overlooking a further 40 acres of wetlands. A 500m2 market garden, complete with chickens, guinea fowl and ducks, provides for the café and restaurant.