The Victorian mansion was owned by John Norton, who was a controversial editor of "Truth" magazine.
He built the house in 1907, on land bordered by Torrington Road and which overlooked Lurline Bay. Norton was a Napoleon enthusiast, filling the house with images and statuary of the emperor, and naming the house 'St Helena' in honour of Napoleon's last resting place.
Norton presented St Helena to the State Government during World War I for the use of convalescent soldiers. Norton passed away in Melbourne in 1916 and by February of 1921 the estate had been subdivided and was advertised for auction. The house was eventually demolished in 1957/58.
