Designed by architects Reed and Barnes in 1868 in the Lombardic Romanesque style , Rippon Lea joins a list of well known public buildings commissioned from this respected Melbourne firm.

While the house evolved to accommodate Frederick and Marian Sargood’s growing family, it also reflected the family’s financial and political success.

In late nineteenth century, Sargood and his second wife Julia began updating the estate – the house was extended and the interiors re-decorated. A porte cochére was installed to create a commanding entrance and provide shelter to guests arriving in their carriages.

Ornamental stained glass, elaborate embossed wallpapers and ceiling papers contributed to the refurbishment. Two conservatories were added to building – these could be accessed from the interior rooms and brought the garden and Sargood’s passion for orchids, indoors. Much of Rippon Lea’s architectural decoration consists of garden motifs, possibly chosen because Sargood’s love of the garden.

As Sargood ensured that the estate was equipped with the most advanced technology, the house was one of the first in Melbourne to install electricity. The basement kitchens, plumbing and bathroom facilities were updated. The suite of servants rooms in the extended kitchens have survived to this day in their 1880s configuration.

The mansion was ‘modernised’ in the early twentieth century by its last owner Mrs. Louisa Jones, who incorporating many of the nineteenth century features, updated and ‘jazzed up’ the house in 1938.

Incorporating the latest interior design fashions from Europe, in particular the work of Syrie Maugham, a neo-baroque scheme – known as the Hollywood style - was chosen to grace the interiors.

The addition of a new swimming pool and ballroom allowed Louisa and her husband Timothy, to throw extravagant parties.