Australia was home to many stately suburban mansions during the old days when the continent was a crown colony. Of these magnificent buildings, only a few remain to tell the tale of their glorious yesterdays when the country was an untamed land where a spirit of adventure endured even in cities and towns. One such mansion worth the limelight status is the grand estate house of Rippon Lea, which still stands with dignity and grandeur at the Rippon Lea Estate in Melbourne.
Built in 1868 by the wealthy Melbourne philanthropist and businessman Sir Frederick Sargood the house at Rippon Lea Estate was made out to be his private retreat near the city. After the demise of the original owner, the estate passed onto his daughter who renovated the mansion in a lavish manner. Once during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics the grounds were occupied by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation who used the Rippon Lea house as their broadcasting centre. After the death of the last of Sargood's heirs, the estate and the house at Rippon Lea was inherited by the National Trust of the state, who carried out extensive preservations and repairs to effect, making the Rippon Lea Estate a much loved tourist attraction in Melbourne.
Today this sprawling suburban estate and its grand mansion are open all days of the week to the inquisitive traveller who would like to walk its green lawns and richly decorated halls. At Rippon Lea estate, you can relax by the lake in the grounds, or a play a game of croquet with a couple of friends, maybe even have a cup of coffee at the gate house if you feel like it. Of course, don't forget to say hi to the cute little Ripella Bear who happens to be the oldest resident of this wonderful place. Regardless whether you're enjoying the architecture or traversing and sightseeing in the open expanses of the estate, there will be enough at Rippon Lea to fill your whole day.
You can get to Rippon Lea from any
Melbourne hotel you're saying at in 20 minutes. You can also enjoy the finest of
Melbourne restaurants at a classy place like The Langham Melbourne. Have a great meal and start early so that you won't miss anything at the Rippon Lea Estate where you can enjoy the rest of the day.
