Our quick visit to Rippon Lea Estate: A historical gem in Melbourne
I hadn't planned to visit Rippon Lea Estate that day, but it happened!
Driving through Elsternwick, the glimpse of a grand facade caught my eye, and on a whim, I pulled over.
With only an hour's worth of street parking to spare, I figured we'd at least peek inside (by we I mean me and my 2 year old) – and what a great impulse decision that turned out to be :)
The best discoveries sometimes come from these unplanned moments, and Rippon Lea Estate proved to be exactly that kind of serendipitous find.
With only an hour of street parking available, and with 4 minutes to spare before the next house tour begin, we made a dash to the house.
The Victorian-era mansion, built in 1868 for Frederick Sargood, is a testament to Melbourne's golden age.
Our tour guide was a lovely woman named Helen, she was absolutely a delight and I don’t think I will ever forget her.
The house is a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century luxury. As we wandered through the rooms, I could almost imagine the Sargood family going about their daily lives.
Frederick Sargood, a wealthy businessman and politician, spared no expense in creating this 33-room mansion. The ornate ceilings had my toddler pointing upward in wonder, and the preserved furniture and decor left me staring and transported into another time.
One of the most interesting aspects is how ahead of its time Rippon Lea was – it had its own electricity supply and complex water recycling system long before these were common.
Though our visit was brief and we didn't get to explore the gardens (which I've heard are spectacular), it was enough to convince me that we need to return.
Next time, I'll be sure to plan for more than an hour – the 14 acres of gardens are calling us back!
I was told that other things worth checking out are the fernery, the lake, and the extensive gardens that make this estate the largest surviving Victorian-era suburban estate in Australia.
I could keep staring at these stained-glass windows.
For parents of toddlers, I truly recommend visiting.
Pro tip: Don't do what I did – book more than an hour for parking! This place deserves at least half a day to properly explore both the mansion and its famous gardens. I'm already looking forward to our return visit to discover the outdoor spaces that we missed.
The gardens are a perfect spot for toddlers to run around and explore.
Rippon Lea Estate isn't just a house – it's a slice of Melbourne's history that's managed to survive virtually intact into our modern era.
Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, garden lover, or simply a parent looking for an engaging outing with your little one, this National Trust property is absolutely worth visiting. Just make sure you give yourself more time than we did!
Next time, I hope we can pack a picnic and make a proper day of it. Our brief visit might not have covered everything, but it certainly left me eager to return and explore more of this magnificent estate.
Special mention: The fight to preserve Rippon Lea
One of the most compelling chapters in Rippon Lea's history is its preservation story. While we can freely wander these grounds today, this wasn't always guaranteed. In the early 1960s, this estate faced a significant threat when the Federal Government attempted to acquire four acres of the property for ABC television studios (following an earlier land sale to ABC in the 1950s).
What followed was a remarkable display of community spirit and determination, led by the then-owner, Mrs. Jones.
In 1963, when faced with a Compulsory Acquisition Order, Mrs. Jones didn't simply accept the fate of her family estate. She fought the order all the way to the High Court, and while she ultimately lost the legal battle, her fight sparked something extraordinary. In a powerful show of public support, 10,000 people gathered to protest the acquisition – a testament to how deeply Melbourne's community valued this historic property.
But Mrs. Jones had one final, decisive move to protect her beloved family home. That same year, she made arrangements to ensure Rippon Lea would pass to the National Trust after her death, fulfilling her father's wish to protect these magnificent gardens for future generations. Her children supported this decision, understanding the importance of preserving this piece of Melbourne's heritage. Thanks to her foresight and determination, we can still experience this remarkable estate today – a living testament to both Victorian-era grandeur and one woman's commitment to preserving Melbourne’s shared history.
Until next time, Rippon Lea.