We were so lucky to have a perfect day for all 16 of us to take in this magnificent house and the heritage gardens. Sara our guide talked us through the 31 room (we didn’t see them all ) mansion and boy was she strict on not touching anything. Gary & I got the look when we were told we could touch the wall but she really meant the sample piece she was passing around!
It was so interesting to hear stories and history about the owners and to learn that the original wealth came from the gold fields. Unbelievable wealth for the time but thanks to Louisa Jones the property was finally left to the National Trust. We can all google the facts but I like the personal connections:
Back in 1974 Trish had access to the pool at Rippon Lea and she has vivid memories of swimming in the pool and watching peacocks wandering around.
Both Julie & I remember attending weddings on the lawn next to the pool – in my case the reception was held in the huge Ballroom.
After the house tour we all went off in different directions to explore the expansive garden. I found Geraldine searching for the giant birds nest fern that got too big for her garden so she donated it to Rippon Lea. (see Geraldine in photo above with Marilyn).
Then Milly finally returned after her adventure finding the lake with its gorgeous setting and to top it off two very cute ducks.
Lunch at the Elsternwick Hotel was excellent and a good finish to a very successful day. I must congratulate Gary for braving this outing with an all female team!
Janette and Trish
