Hollywood Glamour – The Iconic Pool

The Rippon Lea gardens and estate had long been a place for boating, balls and garden parties. Over the years guests strolled through the grounds and gathered for social events.

But by the 1930s, tastes were changing. The Victorian era formal pastimes like archery and croquet became less popular. Swimming and tennis took their place.

Clothing also changed. Victorian formality gave way to a more relaxed style. Tennis shorts and the two-piece swimsuit became fashionable.

Inspired by Hollywood glamour, Louisa Jones transformed this part of the estate into a modern space for entertaining.

The new complex linked indoor and outdoor spaces. The Victorian Conservatory ballroom was removed. The adjoining brick supper room became a new two-tier ballroom. French doors opened onto the upper terrace overlooking the pool.

Steps led down to a lower terrace that surrounded the water. A pergola walkway framed the pool and provided shade for guests. Small pavilions stood at the corners.

Along one side were dressing rooms with basins, showers and toilets. The pool itself was built in reinforced concrete and featured a decorative fountain at one end. Green and cream cement tiles paved the surrounding terraces.

The complex also included a full-length diving board and an oil-fired heating system. Its chimney can still be seen above the changing pavilion roof. The water was kept at about 23 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Louisa Jones was a keen swimmer. She used the pool most days and made sure her children learned to swim there.