Under palm trees and ferns, through an ancient archway and across a grand lawn is an incredibly inspiring slice of Sydney history called Vaucluse House. I have visited this house many times over the years. Mostly to wander the gardens and imagine the life of all who have nurtured the estate over the years. Because it’s not the opulence of this home that I love, it’s the simplicity in the detail of the way things were…
Of all the bedrooms in the house this is my favourite – it is tucked at the end of an upstairs hall. I can’t remember whose room it belonged to in its day, but it inspires me all the same. The most incredible space in the house though, without a doubt, is the kitchen and adjoining larder and dairy rooms…
The simple, functional furnishings and design are beautiful…
And what house is complete without the ultimate head housemaid’s room a.k.a in more modern times as “the laundry room”…
Isn’t it glorious? One of the first times I ever visited Vaucluse House was for an evening play in the gardens. It was a date with my boyfriend, I was just 18 years old. He had packed a delicious evening picnic and when we arrived we were instructed to find a patch of lawn to call our own. The audience were scattered across the front grounds, only about 30 people in total. Before the play began we ate our picnic, and watched the sun begin to set in the sky. Before the night fell the performance began. It was Lady Chatterly’s Lover.
Various scenes were played out in various parts of the estate, and the audience were quietly informed at the end of each scene to meet at the stables, or near the well, or by the garden gate. It was pitch black, the stars shone brightly above and the air was balmy. I was mesmerized – completely enraptured by the romance, and scenery. It remains to be one of the most wonderful performances (and yes, dates) I have ever encountered…
I’m not sure if they still hold plays in the gardens of Vaucluse House. But a visit to the house and then lunch in the tearooms is just as wonderful.
