Our Home journalist Jaci Hicken peeked inside Stepney to see if it could be her dream home. A classic period home with all the modern conveniences.
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If you are planning to move to Echuca, this historic mid-Victorian brick villa, a unique testament to the region’s rich architectural heritage, stands out with its marriage of 19th-century elegance and contemporary living.
Built in 1878 by bricklayer John Quarrell, the property at 54 Francis St has lovingly preserved its original character.
The villa showcases distinctive recessed window spandrels, sill moulds, and symmetrical niches on either side of the front entrance.
“The façade of 54 Francis St Echuca remains largely unchanged since it was constructed in 1878,” according to property records.
The residence features three original front rooms with fireplaces, a hallway adorned with an arch, and original floorboards, while one room boasts a timber ceiling.
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Records reveal that John Quarrell purchased lot 12 of section 31A on Francis St's east side on August 8, 1877.
By July 1878, he had built a three-room cottage valued at 10 pounds.
The property’s ownership changed through the years.
Contractor Charles Penglasi acquired both this property and the neighbouring lot 13 in 1898.
Catherine Henderson took ownership by 1910, with Robert Henderson occupying the home.
In 1919, Anne Jane Muller, whose occupation was listed as ‘home duties’, became the owner.
Now, the 1018-square-metre property seamlessly combines heritage charm with modern conveniences, featuring a timber kitchen with butler’s pantry, solar-heated pool, and ducted heating and cooling.
The paperwork on file doesn’t seem to indicate when the home expanded from its original three rooms to the house it is today.
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The home now comprises four bedrooms complemented by a stylish master ensuite and a central family bathroom.
For my family, this home translates to a room for him, a room for me and I get the kitchen and family room for my ‘cooking’ as well, a room to sleep in and even enough space for visitors to stay over.
The outdoor undercover area is a great space for entertaining, or possibly making the passata at the end of summer, then ending the day with a dip in the pool.
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Stepney has been lovingly restored and updated with all the modern conveniences you want in a home.
The location means that, for once, I would be able to walk to the office, with the home conveniently located near everything in town.
For an inspection, interested parties can contact Troy O’Brien at 0418 570 576 or troy@clk.com.au
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- Story originally published in Our Home, September 2025
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