Over the weekend was my first ever visit to the NSW Government House. The function was the Historic Houses Trust Foundation Governor’s black tie dinner to thank our governors (major sponsors).
Having never been to Government House I was very excited about my first visit. For those who don’t know Sydney well, Government House is on the eastern edge of the CBD directly behind (to the south) of the Sydney Opera House. It is set amongst magnificent gardens leading down to just above the harbour and into the Sydney Botanic Gardens.
View of Government House from the front garden for pre-dinner drinks
View east towards Sydney harbour from the house
Guests in the garden before dinner for drinks
The House has been the NSW Governor’s official residence since 1837 – although it now serves simply as the Governor’s office and reception hall as the Governor no longer resides in the house. It was designed by Edward Blore in 1834 and is under the care of the Historic Houses Trust.
I must admit that I have always liked the romantic pseudo-medieval sandstone house set up amongst the botanical gardens even though I’m not usually a fan of the Gothick Picturesque style – I think it’s because it’s like a colonial oasis set between the harbour and the glistening glass office towers. However, all my romanticised medieval fears were realised when I entered the ballroom for dinner and found a Rococo doll’s house interior – truly extraordinary!! Although I did also laugh at the fabulous oversized guilted royal portraits that proliferate all the interior’s walls – including a very young portrait of Queen Elizabeth in the main entrance hall.
Dinner set in the ballroom
The medieval entrance hall with the coat of arms above the main door
The entrance hall with QEII's portrait opposite the main door
Interior portrait - King George III
All-in-all though not a bad place for a bit of dinner!
Al
