Sunbury’s elaborate 19th century mansion and birthplace of The Ashes cricket series will open to the public this weekend.
Rupertswood is one of the buildings of significance that will be showcased in the Open House Melbourne program on Sunday, July 30.
Hume mayor Drew Jessop said Rupertswood’s significance and inclusion in the exhibition was another reason for locals to feel proud of the area.
“Rupertswood mansion forms a rich part of history for not only Sunbury, but Australian cricket,” Cr Jessop said.
Designed by architect George Brown, the National Trust building was built for landowner, stud-breeder and philanthropist Sir William Clarke in 1874, according to Heritage Council Victoria.
The eclectic-style two-storey, symmetrical house is one of the largest houses ever built in Victoria.
“Rupertswood is a unique representation of an extraordinary and nowadays inconceivably affluent way of life,” stated Heritage Council Victoria.
The English cricket team was staying at Rupertswood when it beat a local team in a match on Christmas Eve, 1882. The winning team was presented with the ashes of a burnt bail, marking the start of The Ashes series between Australia and England.
The residence has been used as a school since the 1920s. Today it is home to Salesian College.
Free access and tours of Rupertswood, 1 Macedon Street, Sunbury, are available from 1-4pm on Sunday, July 30.
