C & G's Spotlight on… Ripponlea!
In this week’s blog we shine a spotlight on Ripponlea, a charming suburb only 7 kilometres southeast of Melbourne’s CBD and known for its distinctive triangle shape. Named after the adjacent Rippon Lea Estate, the suburb emerged after the subdivision of Frederick Sargood’s property in the early 20th century and today offers a quaint retail and hospitality strip with a unique character and quality offerings.
Here’s just some of our team’s favourite places to visit in Ripponlea!
Rippon Lea Estate
Starting where the suburb began, Rippon Lea Estate was originally built as a private residence in the 1860s by Sir Frederick Sargood, a prominent businessman and politician. The mansion showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Italianate, Victorian, and Edwardian influences and boasts 7 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens, designed by renowned landscape architect William Sangster. In 1972, the estate was acquired by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) and is now open to the public, offering guided tours of the mansion and garden. In addition to being a popular venue for weddings and special occasions, the estate also hosts various events, including high teas, music concerts, and outdoor theatre performances.
https://www.ripponleaestate.com.au/
Ripponlea Food & Wine
Located at 15 Glen Eira Road, this local modern European restaurant offers a delicious dining experience, serving adventurous seasonal dishes with a touch of elegance.
Settle into one of their plush green velvet booths and enjoy lunch, afternoon grazing or dinner with a team who are passionate about personalised service and pride themselves on being "a little bit fancy without the fuss".
https://www.ripponleafoodandwine.com.au/
Mim & Friends
A unique lifestyle and gift boutique nestled among the Edwardian shop fronts of quaint Ripponlea Village in Melbourne; Mim & Friends showcases a treasure trove of unique and beautiful products including a carefully curated selection of homewares, stylish clothing and accessories, delightfully scented body & candle ranges and adorable outfits for babies and children.
https://www.mimandfriends.com.au/
Attica
A fine-dining gem located at 74 Glen Eira Road, Attica is owned by chef Ben Shewry and celebrates unique Australian ingredients and culinary cultures. World’s 50 Best Restaurants has consistently recognised Attica since 2010, ranking it as Australia’s top restaurant, and the creative cuisine and atmospheric experience makes it a must-visit in Melbourne.
Quat Quatta
Quat Quatta is an iconic Melbourne venue with a rich history, located at 17 Quat Quatta Avenue in Ripponlea. Originally built as a family home in 1889, this stunning Victorian-era mansion exudes elegance and charm, making it a sought-after wedding venue with it’s original ballroom featuring a parquet dance floor, a sweeping staircase, and hand-painted windows—all classified by the National Trust.
https://www.quatquatta.com.au/
A unique combination of history, green spaces, a choice of relaxed and fine dining experience, and an array of boutiques really does make Ripponlea a hidden gem in Melbourne!