I was clueless of Rippon Lea House & Gardens. It was in sis' itinerary because they have an Easter egg hunt activity during the Easter week. I had high hopes that the eggs for the egg hunt were at least egg-shaped. Something like wooden egg but they were not, they were pieces of papers with egg printed on them and laminated. Oh well..
Rippon Lea House & Gardens is 20 minutes away from Melbourne's CBD, located in Elsternwick. It is the last of Australia's grand suburban estates with a 5.7 hectares garden. The mansion was designed in 1868 and was home to two families who collectively lived about 100 years in the estate.
It was initially home to the Sargood family who owned a clothing and drapery firm in Melbourne. In 1903, Sir Sargood was knighted in 1890 and upon his demise in 1903, Lady Sargood sold the property to the Premier of Victoria, Sir Thomas Bent. The next owner moved in to the estate in 1910. His daughter, Mrs Louisa Jones inherited the property in 1935. The estate was passed to the care of the National Trust in 1972 after the passing of Mrs Louisa Jones.
We had a little picnic along with the many people in the expanse field looking at the mansion. There was a live band playing to keep the crowd entertained.
After feeding our tummies, we went inside the mansion for a visit.
Side note: I have just realise that it is so hard to shop for long boots when one is a shortie >.<"
It looks like something from a movie. Roald Dahl? Not sure why I thought of him. :)
ReplyDeleteLol - I thought it look more like some mystery story backdrop :P
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