Maritimo (demolished), 66 Grey Street

Part of the Gurner Street subdivision of 1853, the first house was built here possibly in 1860, with directories listing Owen W Morgan, shipping master, on this side of the street. The house appears on the Cox map of 1864, and Louis J Piggott was in residence from 1866 to 1873.

William J Clarke (later to become Sir William) leased the property in 1873 as his Melbourne house, but in October 1874 auctioned the contents before travelling to Europe (The Australian Israelite 9 October 1874).

Piggott occupied the house again from 1876, and after his death it was put up for sale in 1883. Presumably it did not sell or there was a long settlement since Mrs E J Piggott remained in residence until 1885. C W Chapman was the next occupant.

In 1889 tenders for extensive alterations were called by architect Frederick Williams, for H J James. The verandahs were likely rebuilt at this time, since the elaborate cast iron seen in the photos is characteristic of the 1880s.

By 1902 the mansion was operating as a guest house, with newspaper mentions of parties held there and people in residence. An ad from 1915 lists 'bachelors quarters' and a croquet lawn amongst the facilities, with a photo that shows that there was a ballroom or hall attached to the north side of the house. By 1933 it was simply advertised as rooms to rent. In 1951 the whole property was put up for auction, and again in 1955.

Probably soon after the house was demolished and the present flats on the site built . The site was so large that four blocks were built, though quite close together – they were clearly not aimed at high rents.