A visit of Rippon Lea Estate

8 kilometres south of Melbourne CBD, close to the beaches of St Kilda, is one of the city's most overlooked gems: Rippon Lea Estate. This splendid 19th century mansion is an enchanting and timeless place, reflecting the splendour of the Victorian era. Its 7-hectare gardens are also wonderful and offer an oasis of tranquillity, far from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. You want to know more? Then come visit Rippon Lea Estate with me!

A hidden jewel in the south of Melbourne

Summary

The history of Rippon Lea Estate
Visiting the mansion
A stroll in the gardens
Things to know before going to Rippon Lea Estate

The history of Rippon Lea Estate

The first owner of the Rippon Lea Estate was Sir Frederick Sargood, a British businessman whose entire family emigrated to Melbourne in 1850. He made his fortune selling softgoods on the goldfields during the gold rush in northern Victoria. After purchasing 11 hectares of land at Elsternwick, 8 kilometres south of Melbourne, he built a first version of the manor there, which was completed in 1868. He named it Rippon Lea, after his mother’s name (Emma Rippon) and the word 'lea' meaning 'meadow'.

The house was particularly modern for the time. It had electricity, indoor toilets (a rarity at this era) and the gardens benefited from a complex automatic irrigation system. Even today, the movements of the windmill to the east of the estate drive the pumps used to water the park and supply the artificial waterfall.

Rippon Lea Estate in 1880 (State Library Victoria)

The mansion underwent several renovations and expansions over the years. The tower which slightly makes it look like a Tuscan palace was added in the 1880s. Sargood had by then began a successful political career, and Rippon Lea Estate was regularly used to host visiting foreign dignitaries. Knighted in 1890, senator of the newly independent Australia in 1901, he died in 1903 at age 68. His widow then sold the estate, which passed through the hands of several owners, before being transferred to the National Trust in 1972 according to the wishes of its last resident, Mrs Louisa Jones. It opened to the public in 1974, and various events (especially weddings) are now regularly held in the ballroom.

The house is only accessible during guided tours (see details below). But they are worth it! From the entrance hall to the dining room on the ground floor, from the bedrooms to the balcony (with a view of Melbourne in the distance) on the first floor, you will be able to discover a large part of this immense and splendid mansion. It houses several paintings, 3 pianos, and the stained-glass windows above the staircase are stunning! Most of the rooms have been furnished with objects from the different periods of residence, from the origins to the 20th century. The library for example has one of the first examples of television and many of the books refer to the 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.

Visiting the mansion

Although the gardens have shrunk since the time of Frederick Sargood (only 7 hectares remain today), they nonetheless still are absolutely gorgeous. It’s such a pleasure to walk there, in the peace and shade of its large trees, far from the crowds! You will find countless varieties of plants and flowers, an artificial lake with a waterfall, an orchard, a wooden lookout tower at the south end, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and a splendid fernery. A vast lawn allows you to contemplate the mansion from afar and imagine yourself having the privilege of living there... Finally, the stables have also been preserved to the north-east of the estate.

A stroll in the gardens

Things to know before going to Rippon Lea Estate

The entrance to Rippon Lea Estate is on Hotham Street in Elsternwick. Ripponlea train station on the Sandringham line is just a few minutes' walk away, as is tram 67 on Brighton Road (Coleridge Street stop). It is open every day, from 10am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm). A cafe (the Gatehouse Tea Room) is located at the entrance.

Admission prices are $15 for adults, $9 for children (3-15 years), and $12 for concessions. This only gives access to the gardens. The mansion can be visited during guided tours, not included in the admission price (they cost an extra $10 for adults, $5 for children, and $8 for concessions). These tours take place every day at 11am and 2pm (as well as 12pm on weekends) and last approximately 45 minutes.

Good to know! If you are a resident of Glen Eira or the City of Port Philip (Albert Park, Balaclava, Elwood, St Kilda…), entry to the gardens is free and tours are only $5 per person! You will just have to create a card at the entrance, and remember to take it with you on each visit. Finally, entry and tours are both free for National Trust members.

Find all the information about Rippon Lea Estate and book your tickets on the official website!

Have you ever visited the Rippon Lea Estate? Did you like it? Send me a message to let me know what you thought about it!