Rupertswood

Rupertswood is a substantial Victorian mansion with a distinctive tower reaching about 100 feet (30 m) high, topped by a mansard roof that stands out from the surrounding landscape. Inside, multiple reception rooms, a ballroom, and billiard room show how the house was designed to host large gatherings.

Construction began with the foundation stone laid in 1874 and was completed in 1876 for Sir William Clarke, an early Australian baronet who made his fortune in banking and land. The house represented the wealth and power of one of the colony's most prominent figures at that time.

The house holds special meaning in cricket history as the place where the Ashes urn was created, a trophy that represents a legendary rivalry between English and Australian teams. Visitors can still walk through the rooms connected to this sporting tradition.

The grounds are easily reached by car and can be explored on foot, with plenty of space to walk through the rooms and outdoor areas at your own pace. Visitors should plan to spend a good amount of time there, as the house and property are larger than they first appear.

The property once had its own private railway station, allowing guests to arrive directly until the station closed in 2004, a luxury that few country houses could offer. The gardens were shaped by designer William Sangster and included an artificial lake with rare trees scattered throughout.