Celebrating the Glory Days of Tennis: Rippon Lea Estate’s heritage lawn tennis court ready to rival the play at the Australia Open following restoration.

Having fun following the Oz Open? Recreate your own hot-shot tennis day at Rippon Lea. The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) is thrilled to announce the reopening of Rippon Lea Estate’s newly restored Heritage Lawn Tennis Court – a project that pays homage to the Estate’s traditions and preserves an iconic piece of history. As one of Victoria’s oldest lawn tennis courts, this restoration has brought the historic grass court back to life, creating an exciting opportunity for visitors to experience the glory days of tennis in a unique setting.   

Thanks to the efforts of the National Trust Garden Team, Tennis Victoria, Andrew Pearl from Living Turf, and the dedication of National Trust volunteers and staff, this rare gem has been meticulously restored.   

What’s it like? Rumours suggest that tennis legend Ivan Lendl graced Rippon Lea’s court in the 1980s.  

Grass tennis courts, once numbering in the thousands across Australia, have become a nostalgic memory, replaced over time by modern synthetic surfaces. The revival of Rippon Lea’s court celebrates the timeless tradition of lawn tennis, which dates back to the 1870s and was pioneered by Major Walter Clopton Wingfield in Great Britain.  

Sir Frederick Sargood, Rippon Lea Estate’s first owner, was an early adopter of lawn tennis, commissioning the court as part of his passion for innovation and leisure. The court became a focal point for social gatherings, as remembered by Clara Sargood, Sir Frederick’s daughter, in her memoirs: “We had our tennis parties once a fortnight on a Saturday, the players remaining to tea, after which other friends came for a friendly dance; the music being provided by different friends present, and very happy gatherings they were.”  

Making a Day of It?  
Why not make your visit the perfect summer event! Bring your own picnic to enjoy in the lush grounds or let us help you organise something special. Whether it’s a simple family brunch or a champagne-drenched soirée, we’ve got catering options to suit every occasion.  

Nestled in a picturesque corner of the Estate, near the pool and fernery, the court’s surface is made of buffalo grass—a warm-season grass variety prized for its shade tolerance. Playing on Rippon Lea’s grass court offers a faster game than on regular clay courts with smaller bounces, providing players with an exciting experience unique in play style and technique.  

To sustain the grass tennis court, the water supply is sourced from storm water, spring water, and rainwater collected from the mansion roof.    

Tennis enthusiasts, history buffs, and families can now book time on the court and discover the charm of playing on a heritage grass court. Bookings can be made by contacting the Estate on ripponlea@nattrust.com.au.   

For those looking to extend their experience, ask us about croquet, house tours, garden tours, and all your catering needs. All bookings, including tennis court hire, can be made via the Rippon Lea website: https://www.ripponleaestate.com.au/event/tennis-court-hire/.