Rio Vista Historic House

Built in 1889, this 3 storey mansion was the home of William Benjamin Chaffey, who was instrumental in the introduction of irrigation in Australia. Many of the original furnishings remain intact. Displays feature Chaffey family memorabilia and other historical artefacts. Rio Vista is part of the Mildura Arts Centre, as is the Mildura Regional Gallery.

Address: 
199 Cureton Ave, Mildura, VIC
Tel: 
0350188330
Hours: 
10.00am-5.00pm Mon-Sun. Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday.
Admission: 
Adults $3.00, Concession $2.00
Facilities: 
Car and bus parking, picnic area, refreshments, sales outlet, information brochure, reading room
Collection: 
1000 items of the period 1890s

Items

Interior of the house

Main staircase

Description:
Cedar and Blckwood, staidned glass window-handmade and imported from England.
Date:
circa 1890
Item Id Number:
415

Rocking chair

Description:
Low, probably oak, recently re-covered, American.
Date:
circa 1890
Item Id Number:
663

Desk

Roll Top Desk

Creator:
American Desk and Seating Co. Chicago
Description:
Probably oak, felt work, four drawers either side.
Date:
circa 1890
Item Id Number:
420

Book

Australian Irrigation Colonies

Creator:
Unwin Bros. The Gresham Press, 71A Ludgate Hill, London EC.
Description:
(Called the Red Book)
Date:
circa 1880
Item Id Number:
539

Dining table and chairs

Description:
Probably oak, large table, two carver chairs, eight chairs.
Date:
circa 1890
Item Id Number:
594