What’s Behind the Waterfall? The Grotto
Constructed in the 1880s, Rippon Lea’s grotto is one of its’ special hidden treasures
19th Century
Colonisation, gold and the gilded Victorian Age
Explore stories about 19th Century
The Gardener Who Could Grow Anything
Adam Anderson was Head Gardener at Rippon Lea from 1882 until the death of Sir Frederick Sargood in 1903.
Horse Power: The Stables Complex
Despite cars replacing horses at Rippon Lea over a century ago, the stables have survived to this day.
Anyone for Tennis?
Rippon Lea’s tennis court is believed to be one of the earliest built in Victoria.
Below Stairs: The Kitchen Complex
Tucked away beneath the grandeur of Rippon Lea’s house is the Victorian kitchen complex. This was the working area of the household.
Conservatories Then and Now
The conservatories at Rippon Lea have always been a huge draw for visitors. Fashionable in Victorian times, they were built to wow guests.
Gentlemen and Their Orchids
Rippon Lea was famous across Australia and the world for its vast orchid collections. Frederick Sargood and later Benjamin Nathan caught “Orchidmania”.
The Surviving Cast Iron Conservatory
The Victorian cast-iron conservatory attached to the drawing room is the only one to survive at Rippon Lea.
On Target: Archery at Rippon Lea
The Rippon Lea Archery Club – started by Frederick Sargood – met for practice every Friday.
Bullseye! The Archery House
In the 1890s Frederick Sargood constructed a purpose-built Archery House close to the existing archery range.