Rippon Lea Estate

Rippon Lea is a large 19th century mansion surrounded by 7 hectares of Victorian pleasure gardens. It is listed on the National Heritage Register as one of the finest examples of original suburban estate in Australia.

The house was completed in 1868. It was built for Frederick Sargood. Sargood made his money selling soft-goods on the goldfields. The house is named after his mother’s maiden-name, Rippon. Lea is an English word for meadow. The property was a large, self-sufficient farm, about twice the size it is now. The mansion was originally 15 rooms; it currently has 33 rooms. Sargood moved in with his first wife, Marian, and their 9 surviving children. There were 7 maids, a butler, 7 gardeners, a coachman and a groom.

Sargood was a typical man of the Victorian Age – visionary and practical. This resulted in an elaborate underground watering system and the house having its own electricity supply. Unusually for its time, the house had internal toilets. Sargood was a keen gardener who was particularly interested in orchids and ferns. A large number of plants were imported.

The garden is complex and covers almost 14 acres, which includes a large lake, extensive shrubberies and flower gardens, an orchard of historically significant fruit varieties, a fernery, rose gardens and many other features of historical, landscape and architectural interest, all forming the setting for the polychrome brick mansion completed in 1868.

 

See What’s On at Rippon Lea Estate

 

Place Details

September to April
Open 10am – 5pm

May to August
Open 10am – 4pm

Closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

FREE National Trust Members
$15 Adult
$12 Concession
$9 Child (3 - 15 years)
$40 Family (2A + 2C)

General Admission includes garden entry, plus guided tour of the mansion (subject to availability)

City of Glen Eira and Port Phillip residents have free access to the gardens at Rippon Lea Estate.

A Virtual Reality headset is available for mobility impaired visitors courtesy of the State Trustees Australia Foundation.

192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick 3185

Bunurong / Boon Wurrung Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Victoria and recognise their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

Rippon Lea Estate Website

Plan your Visit

Rippon Lea Estate

Address:

192 Hotham Street, Elsternwick 3185 VIC

Entry Fees:

General Admission includes garden entry, plus guided tour of the mansion (subject to availability).
Adult: $15
Concession: $12
Child (3-15 years): $9
Family (2 adults + 2 children): $40.
National Trust Members FREE.

City of Glen Eira and Port Phillip residents have free access to the gardens at Rippon Lea Estate.
To obtain an entry card, residents must show acceptable forms of ID with proof of residency and complete an application form available in the Gatehouse on entry to the property.

What we offer:

Tea Room
Please note that the Tea Rooms are open for takeaway hot and cold drinks, ice cream, and biscuits. Sandwiches and cakes will be on offer when available. Takeaway drinks and food can be enjoyed on the main mansion veranda where tables and chairs will be provided to soak up the beautiful views of the garden.

The Gatehouse Gift Shop
There is a lovely selection of gifts and homewares to suit everyone’s taste.
Shop with the National Trust and you’ll be supporting our valuable work.
National Trust Members receive 10% off all purchases on the presentation of their membership card.

The Gatehouse Nursery
Here you will find a wonderful variety of plants for sale.
National Trust Members receive 10% off all purchases on the presentation of their membership card.

For school bookings or group bookings, please contact our Bookings Office on (03) 9656 9889 Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm.

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Guided Tours

Guided tours of the mansion and gardens are available daily - please speak to staff on arrival. Visitors who have mobility problems can use a Virtual Reality Headset on request, provided courtesy of State Trustees Australia Foundation.

Group Bookings

For groups of ten or more Rippon Lea offers the opportunity to pre-book house and garden tours. You can also drop in for a picnic at our gardens, as well as lunch and Devonshire tea packages in our tea rooms.

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Education Programs

Rippon Lea has two schools programs that are great for lower primary student levels with either a science focus or a Then and Now experience.
We also offer a VCE Geography program.

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Weddings

This classic venue is home to picturesque gardens including an ornamental lake, orchard, fernery and sweeping lawns where elegance and magnificence combine creating the perfect surroundings for your special occasion.

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Venue Hire

With a magnificent ballroom leading out onto an impressive pool and over 14 acres of gardens, Rippon Lea House & Gardens is the perfect venue for your next function. Garden birthday parties and picnics or family gatherings. The Ballroom is an impressive venue for receptions, corporate entertaining and gala dinners.

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Photography and Filming

Rippon Lea is a unique location for filming and photography. For information on location fees or photography, video and film - please enquire.

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