A DAY IN THE COUNTRY | Rupertswood & Bolinda Vale

This year we are to visit two properties that are connected with the one family, the Clarkes. We plan to have morning tea at Rupertswood, one of Australia’s most important mansions, both historically and architecturally. It was built as a residence for Sir William John Clarke, the first Australian-born baronet, in 1874-76.

Sir William Clarke (1831–1897) was the son of the famous ‘Big’ Clarke who was reputed to be the wealthiest man in the Southern Hemisphere; he left an estate of £2,500,000 and 215,000 acres in 1897.

The second property, Bolinda Vale, belongs to Sir Rupert Clarke, the Fourth Baronet of Rupertswood. Both he and his wife, Lady Clarke, are delighted to host The Friends at their beautiful property for lunch. We have been invited to wander through their significant house and fascinating garden