In the mood for love

From wandering through elegant formal gardens to the charm of a historic romance, a visit to one of the National Trust’s special places is the perfect way to spend time with someone you love.

Fall for the stately beauty of Retford Park

What could be more romantic than a tryst at a shell-pink mansion? With beautiful gardens and a striking Victorian Italianate homestead painted in signature ‘Portuguese Pink’ to meander through, Retford Park is an idyllic place to spend time with someone you love. In fact, it’s so enchanting that it was chosen as the backdrop for the launch of the wildly popular Netflix Regency romance series Bridgerton last year. It’s also an ideal destination for lovers of art, with a line-up of noteworthy works, from sculptures to paintings by iconic Australian artists to gaze at and discuss. Gardens open Thursday – Sunday 10am – 4pm. House access by guided tour only at 10.30am Thursday – Friday; 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm Saturday – Sunday.

Retford Park
Pretty in pink, the stunning Victorian Italianate mansion of Retford Park makes a glamorous backdrop for a date.

Uncover a secret love story at Woodford Academy

A captivating set of historic sandstone buildings nestled in the Blue Mountains, Woodford Academy is also the site of a discovery of a rare set of love letters from the 19th century. Hidden in a leather suitcase for over 100 years, the collection of more than 200 handwritten letters were penned by Henrietta (Ettie) Nielsen, a NSW governess, and John (Jack) McManamey, a teacher (and later headmaster of Woodford Academy) in the lead up to their marriage. Offering a charming glimpse into courtship in Victorian times (and inspiration for starting your own romantic correspondence), the letters are now on permanent display at Woodford Academy. Open on the third Saturday of each month, 10am – 4pm.

Woodford Academy Love Letters
The devotion of a 19th century couple is told through their charming love letters at Woodford Academy. (Photography by SGR Photo)

Be swept away by Art-Deco glamour at Everglades House & Gardens

Picture-perfect views and stunning Art-Deco interiors await at this renowned heritage jewel in the Blue Mountains. Step into the 1930’s designed house and be inspired by the exquisite geometric details – including opulent dual bathrooms. Take a stroll through the gardens, designed by acclaimed landscape gardener Paul Sorensen, then end your visit at the tearooms with tea and scones for two. Before you leave don’t forget to take a seat on the bench near Everglades House & Garden‘s amphitheatre. With sweeping vistas across mountains tinted a hazy blue by eucalyptus trees, it’s a memorable backdrop for a photo with a loved one. Open Wednesday to Monday, 10am – 4pm.

Everglades House & Gardens tearooms
The sophisticated surrounds of the Everglades House & Gardens tearooms. (Photography by SGR Photo)

Admire artistic passion at Norman Lindsay Gallery

The enduring affair between the prolific and controversial artist Norman Lindsay and his wife, model, printmaker and author Rose, is one of the Australian art world’s most well-known romances. Their relationship resulted in a remarkable volume of works, including the sensual artworks and evocative sculptures that adorn the sandstone gallery and gardens of Norman Lindsay Gallery. Visit the studio where Norman created many of his most famous works, take a ramble through the landscaped grounds and explore the exhibition spaces – the provocative works are sure to spark lively conversation. Open Thursday to Monday, 10am – 4pm.

Norman Lindsay Gallery
Exquisite Roman gardens and beguiling artworks at Norman Lindsay Gallery will delight lovers of art. (Photography by SGR Photo)

Discover a dazzling display of devotion at Saumarez Homestead

When it comes to grand romantic gestures, the former owner of Saumarez Homestead, F.J. White, definitely understood how to make one. While his wife was away on a tour in Europe in 1905 he contacted the house’s original architect and commissioned him to build a second story, to be completed ready for her return a year later. Aside from elaborate gifts, Saumarez Homestead, located on Anaiwan Country in Armidale, offers ample scope for simpler displays of affection with formal gardens in a last flush of summer blooms. The graceful 30-room Edwardian mansion features an impressive Australian Cedar staircase – just the spot for your very own poetic gesture. Gardens open Wednesday, Friday & Sunday 10am – 4pm. House access by guided tour only at 10:30am Wednesday & Friday 10:30am, 12:30pm & 2:30pm on Sundays.

The grand Australian Cedar staircase at Saumarez Homestead is made for moments of romance.
The grand Australian Cedar staircase at Saumarez Homestead is made for moments of romance.

Solve a life-sized puzzle at Harper’s Mansion

Situated high on a hill in Gundungurra and Tharawal Country, overlooking the historic town of Berrima, Harper’s Mansion makes for a playfully charming date. Wind you way along myriad paths that lace through the heritage gardens and admire the last of the summer roses, then get lost in one of the largest hedge mazes in Australia. Once you have navigated your way out enjoy a relaxed picnic lunch (pack a basket for your visit with gourmet treats from the many bakeries and cafes scattered throughout the nearby villages of the Southern Highlands.) A guided tour of the elegant two-storey Georgian mansion is a fascinating way to finish the day. Open weekends, 11am – 3pm.

Hedge maze at Harper's Mansion
The large hedge maze at Harper’s Mansion presents an enthralling puzzle. (Photography by Michael Kennedy)

Plan a date with a cultural twist at S.H. Ervin Gallery

Housed in the historic National Trust Centre on Observatory Hill, S.H. Ervin Gallery is renowned for exploring and celebrating Australian art. It also makes for a thought-provoking place for a date. Involving a major survey of the work of artist Peter Godwin, the current exhibition Peter Godwin: Space, Light and Time will immerse you in the contemporary artist’s ever-changing painterly world. Afterwards head to The Rocks to explore the cobblestone streets and hidden laneways of this popular Sydney heritage region. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm.

S.H. Ervin Gallery
S.H. Ervin Gallery at the National Trust Centre champions the richness and diversity of Australian art. (Photography by Chloe Ferres)

Retrace the past together at Old Government House

Situated on the traditional lands of the Burramatta Dharug, Old Government House is Australia’s oldest surviving public building and makes for a fascinating date with history. Learn from the stories of the Burramatta people and explore the early days of European settlement at the Georgian building which served as the country residence for the first governors of NSW. Step back into the present by whiling away the afternoon with a picnic for two on the lawn overlooking Parramatta River. Open Thursday & Friday, 10am – 4pm. Open from 11am on weekends.

Couple at Old Government House
Take a compelling look back at history on a date at Old Government House. (Photography by cinemotive.com.au)

Escape to the country at Dundullimal Homestead

A day at tranquil Dundullimal Homestead makes for a serene way to spend time with your favourite person. Bring your bikes and cycle to this pretty rural property located in Wiradjuri Country. Starting in the centre of Dubbo, the Tracker Riley Cycleway skirts the banks of the Macquarie River before ending at Dundullimal Homestead. Stop at the Shed Café and indulge in Devonshire Tea for two before exploring the 1840s historic slab house and intriguing outbuildings. Don’t miss the quaint 1870s timber church, this picturesque spot (a favourite location for weddings) even has a sweet church bell that you can toll together. Open Monday, Friday and Saturday, 11am – 3pm.

Dundullimal Homestead
The charming 1870’s church at Dundullimal Homestead is a much-loved destination for weddings.

Take a sunset stroll at Riversdale

Step back in time on Valentine’s Day as dusk falls on a special twilight tour of Riversdale. Located in Gundungurra Country, Goulburn, the historic homestead features an 1830s Georgian house filled with captivating works of art, including rare examples of 19th century botanical sketches. As the sun sinks into the horizon, visit the stables, Goulburn’s oldest building, then linger under the emerging night sky in the flowering cottage garden. Open Sunday, 10am – 2pm.

Riversdale
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a tour of historic Riversdale at sunset. (Photography by Nick Nicholson)

Don’t forget your canine companion!

Not every love story features a starry-eyed couple, if the object of your affection is your four-legged best friend, discover the National Trust’s dog-friendly places where you can take your pooch for a fun day out this Valentine’s Day.

Dog-friendly properties at the National Trust
Puppy love: discover dog-friendly properties at the National Trust.

 

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NSW Editor

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