A closer look at the banks history 
 

The former Chiltern Bank of Australasia was designed by Anketell Matthew Henderson of Reed & Barnes Architects and constructed in 1877. Anketell Matthew Henderson (1853 - 1922) was born at Cork, Ireland, in 1853, and came to Melbourne with his parents at the age of ten. He was educated at Scotch College and matriculated in 1868 (aged 15). In 1869 he was articled to Reed & Barnes, and simultaneously studied for his civil engineering degree at Melbourne University, completing it in 1872 (aged 19). In its 150 year anniversary in 2019, Melbourne University recognised 1869 as noteworthy that a particular student joined the University. That graduate was Anketell Matthew Henderson who went on to become a significant figure in Australian Architecture, engineering  and surveying, both as practitioner and educator.

The bank has had many incarnations since 1877.  It was a fully operational branch of the Bank of Australasia until 1943 when it closed and became a private residence.  The Bank building has also been an Italian Restaurant, the Mulberry Tree Tearooms/B&B and The Old Chiltern Bank Teahouse, before reverting back to a private residence in 2018. 

The Story of Percy, a Chiltern bank clerk (1891 - 1915)

Percy Watson was a Bank Clerk (Ledger-Keeper) at the Chiltern Bank of Australasia in 1911.  Although he was not in a position of Management, his story resonated with us and as such we have named our accommodation wing after him. Percy was borne in Windsor, Victoria and lived at 'Ballymena' Raglan Parade Warrnambool with his parents Alfred Edward (fa) & Agnes (mo) and siblings.  His father was the Headmaster at Warrnambool College and Agnes' role was of mother and wife.  Percy attended Wesley College in Melbourne for his matriculation where he graduated.  We know of his work here in Chiltern in 1911 and he then moved to Melbourne.  When WW1 commenced Percy enlisted on the 17th of August 1914.  Lance Corporal Percy Watson's Unit was the 5th Battalion which embarked from Melbourne on 21st October 1914 on board Transport A3 'Orvieto' destined for Egypt.  LC Percy Watson eventually found himself on the shores of Gallipoli, Turkey and sadly was killed in action on the 25th of April 1915 (Anzac Day).  He was 24 years old.