Today, 24 September, 20 of our members made their way by train to one of Sydney’s harbourside colonial jewels, Elizabeth Bay House in Elizabeth Bay.  En route everyone thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful weather and the morning tea at Zinc Café, which is very close to the destination.  Sadly, we were under time pressure at the café as we were running a little late.  A tour was booked!

Alexander Macleay, the new Colonial Secretary under Governor Darling and the second most powerful person in the colony, arrived in Sydney with his wife and 6 unmarried daughters in 1826.  In a very precarious financial situation, which would follow him throughout his life, he set about building the family villa in 1835.  It is a Greek Revival style house celebrated for its elegant architecture.

On completion in 1839, Elizabeth Bay House was known as 'the finest house in the colony'.

The house was once surrounded by an extensive 22-hectare botanical garden, granted to him by the Governor, and described as a 'botanist's paradise'.  Alexander Macleay was a renowned gentleman scientist who established a significant library and entomology collection and had extensive interests in botany.  Due to ‘urban sprawl’ only a small part of the original garden has been preserved.

After the tour of the mansion, lunch was at the Potts Point Hotel nearby.  It was a most enjoyable outing for all.  A place many had intended to go but never got around to doing it.  Other Members had no idea it existed.  Highly recommended.

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The house is open and free on Sundays and Mondays. We were fortunate to have our own private tour as the house is closed to the general public other days.