Seaview House was built in 1875. It was originally a single storey green
grocer's shop and dwelling. The dwelling with its veranda, picket fence
and gate faced Hesse Street. The shop entrances were at the corner and
in Stokes Street.
In
1890 a second storey was added to the building. Iron balustrades and lace
work were added and the picket fence was replaced with a corrugated iron
one.
The enlarged residence became the Seaview Coffee Palace. Seaview Coffee Palace was possibly Queenscliff's first taste of the popular coffee palaces or temperance hotels of the times.
The enlarged residence became the Seaview Coffee Palace. Seaview Coffee Palace was possibly Queenscliff's first taste of the popular coffee palaces or temperance hotels of the times.
Today, Seaview Art and Craft Gallery occupies the downstairs space that once belonged to the original green grocer shop. The remainder of the building, now known as "Seaview House", continues to operate as a charming guesthouse.