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Inside the 161-year-old home with a turret dining room, good spiritual vibes

Historic Wellington villa with a turret dining room, stained glass and a peaceful garden oasis.

Kylie Klein Nixon
Last updated: 28 April 2026 | 3 min read
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A historic Mount Victoria villa, Virginia Cottage, is for sale after an extensive restoration. Purchased in the 1980s by owner Blair Styra and his late wife Kay McCulloch, the 1860s home was transformed from a dilapidated state into a unique retreat.

Key features include a Gothic-style turret dining room with stained glass, a covered well discovered in the kitchen, and a lush garden oasis. The home offers a cosy, character-filled living experience.

Seeking enquiries over $1,995,000, the property is listed with Anastasia Hickey of Tommy's.

The home has been lovingly restored by its current owner, Blair Styra. Photo: TRADE ME/TOMMY's/DEAN ZILLWOOD

The entranceway to the house is absolutely enchanting. Photo: TRADE ME/TOMMY's/DEAN ZILLWOOD

The house as it appeared in a photograph from 1890. Photo: SUPPLIED

The home has a cosy, maximalist feel. Photo: TRADE ME/TOMMY's/DEAN ZILLWOOD

A second sitting room doubles as a study and workspace. Photo: TRADE ME/TOMMY's/DEAN ZILLWOOD

The home is divided into two dwellings, with a three bed home on the ground floor and a two bed flat upstairs. Photo: TRADE ME/TOMMY's/DEAN ZILLWOOD

The dining room has an Arthurian vibe to it. Photo: TRADE ME/TOMMY's/DEAN ZILLWOOD

The garden room lead to the small courtyard garden at the rear of the home. Photo: TRADE ME/TOMMY's/DEAN ZILLWOOD

The arched dining room from the garden. Photo: TRADE ME/TOMMY's/DEAN ZILLWOOD

The garden is a sheltered retreat. Photo: TRADE ME/TOMMY's/DEAN ZILLWOOD

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