Old Style Grandeur at Vaucluse House
Sydney is a modern metropolis, but drive 10 kilometers out of the CBD and you can step back in time. Vaucluse House was built in the early nineteenth century, and its stunning grounds and beautiful interior allow us to imagine what it was like to live in colonial times.
The house was built by Sir Thomas Henry Brown Hayes, a colourful character who was sent to Australia as punishment for kidnapping the woman he loved. It was a terribly romantic gesture but her father, a wealthy Irish banker, didn’t see it that way!
It’s had some famous residents, including Captain John Piper and the famed explorer William Charles Wentworth. Wentworth lived in the house until 1853, and he made extensive renovations during his stay.
The mansion includes lavish entertaining areas and living quarters, which paint a rich picture of Australia’s affluent early settlers. Visitors can view the opulently furnished rooms and immaculate gardens on Fridays and weekends. If you’re feeling peckish, the Vaucluse House tearooms are the ideal place for lunch or afternoon tea.
Dates: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Times: From 9:30 am to 4 pm
Location: Vaucluse House
Address: Wentworth Road, Vaucluse
Public transport: The #325 bus from Circular Quay stops at the front of the property
Parking: On site parking is free
Cost: $8 for adults, $4 for children and concession holders, and $17 for families
Website: http://www.hht.net.au/museums/vaucluse_house
Image source: Superciliousness @ Flickr
Tags: Captain John Piper, historic, Sir Thomas Henry Brown Hayes, Vaucluse House, William Charles WentworthRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Attractions, History & Information
4 opinions for Old Style Grandeur at Vaucluse House
Pyrmont
May 5, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Looks very posh, may go and check the joint out. Must say am really impressed with the transport info that you have provided.
The Toronto Traveler
May 6, 2008 at 3:54 am
That’s very nice…I love traveling to cities where a short trip can give you a break from the urban environment. I find that I always come crawling back to it after a couple of days though, lol.
Lauren
May 6, 2008 at 4:42 am
Thanks Pyrmont! There’s no point talking about places if people aren’t sure how to get there, is there? A lot of travel writers forget that I think :-)
Lauren
May 6, 2008 at 4:43 am
Oh I know what you mean Justin. It’s great to find those places that offer the best of both worlds :-)
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