Vaucluse House

If you are interested in the history of the area or this beautiful house , , Vaucluse House is definitely worth a visit. From the moment you enter the front office / shop area , the staff are willing to answer any questions you may have. You are able to freely inspect all rooms in the house. It's interesting to see how the rich lived many years ago . The beautiful gardens and trees surrounding the house are very popular for wedding photos. We were lucky enough to visit while the Jacaranda trees were in flower. Carpark a short walk away. Street parking available.
Fiona K - 2 months ago

The volunteer I listened to for over an hour was very engaging. He knew a lot about each relevant person connected to the house, including dates and such. He was the highlight of the house.
Jamie Maxwell Knape (JackaFish Fan) - a week ago

I enjoyed exploring Vaucluse House and its beautiful estate, especially the picturesque garden with a water fountain surrounded by flowers. Entry is free, and the staff are friendly. The grounds have amenities like a café, parking, public restrooms, and picnic areas, as well as several other buildings, including stables and garden houses. The estate was built between 1803 and 1839 and the larger house is Gothic Revival architecture, complete with turrets. Inside, there is a large, simple kitchen, a scullery, multiple floors, and an elegant staircase. The grand hallways feature chessboard floors, and the opulent rooms are adorned with red velvet chairs, Italian paintings, and intricate decorations. The estate’s history is fascinating. The original cottage was built by Irish convict Sir Henry Brown Hayes, who kidnapped the daughter of a wealthy Irishman. Hayes named the property "Vaucluse" after a beautiful spring in France, known as the Fontaine de Vaucluse. In the 1820s, William Charles Wentworth purchased the estate and built the larger house. Wentworth, born on Norfolk Island and educated in Europe, came from a family who owned many properties in the Sydney area, which allowed him to afford the estate. He lived there with his wife and children. By the 1920s, the estate became government-owned and was opened to the public. In the 1960s, 200 native trees were planted on the grounds, and in 2016-2017, the house was refurbished. Overall, Vaucluse House is a wonderful place to visit, particularly for people interested in social history and architecture.
Alice Moon-Star - a month ago

I really enjoyed my visit at the Vaucluse House. Watching the series Downtown Abbey has proven to be fruitful, as I could relate to the Vaucluse House household operation. The audio explanations were helpful, and I learnt more about the Wentworth family. The only downside was that I wished the Museum Management of Vaucluse House would've opened up the Servants Quarters lodging / rooms section, so we could learn their lifestyles just as much as their Masters, The Wentworth Family. It would be good to allow visitors to see what is above the Butler's Pantry and Office, where the heads of key operations i.e. Housekeeping, Sewing, Nanny, etc. reside / rest.
Ramona Ismail - 3 months ago