Many of you may have already experienced the delights of Black Rock House – a hidden gem in Ebden Street, Black Rock. But many of our little group commented – “We’ve lived in the area for more than thirty years and had no idea this existed!” The promise of exploring a house built in 1856 and brought back to its old glory by the Sandringham Council and numerous volunteers certainly piqued our interest
It really was a terrific afternoon! Picture some very colourful women (all volunteers) and a couple of very dapper gentlemen, dressed to the nines in “olden day” clothing. Then picture a number of beautifully set tables, laden with golden fresh baked scones, thick cream, raspberry jam, silver tea and coffee pots and there you have the dream way to spend the first Sunday afternoon each month.
And, I hasten to add, that’s just the start of it. The real reason for being there of course, is the guided tour through the refurbished house; some really interesting facts delivered by our guide Maddy had everyone chatting and exclaiming and asking questions, eager to learn more of the history of Ebden House. The bedrooms appealed to Di David in particular, as she was very much taken by the variety of bed chambers hidden under each bed and of course the topic of where and when to empty the contents just had to be thrashed out.
The wholehearted recommendation of all present is that you MUST go and see this for yourselves. You can find more information about the monthly Devonshire tea and house tours on their website and you’ll also find details of all the other fun activities they offer. To whet your appetite and prepare you for the experience remember to (a) run your hands over the enormous trunks of the Morton Bay Fig trees in the front yard (over 168 years old), (b) look for the ivory mahjong set nestled in one of the bookshelves of the library (Janette James had to be physically restrained from reaching and running off with the lot!) (c) give thanks that you were NOT the full time, live in maid who got to sleep in a tiny bed under a tin roof right next to the kitchen. And (d) be grateful you weren’t the one hired to re-do the most intricate wallpapers you could ever imagine!
Michele Backholer 1 Dec. 2024
