Australia So Much to See

Armidale, New South Wales 

In 1938 Frederick White’s son in law donated the mansion and the 180 hectares of land to the University of Sydney to create a campus. Following the successful academic achievements of students at Armidale, the University of New England became a university in its own right in 1958. The house, which has retained its Victorian and features and has been furnished accordingly, now houses the University’s senior management. It is National Trust and Heritage listed.

The rear verandah of Booloominbah House (at right)

A motto over the dining room door (below) translates to “Not meat but cheerfulness makes the feast”. 

One of the stain glass windows (at left)

Note the step (above) at this entrance at the front of Booloominbah House. This was for ladies to alight from their horses with grace.

High on a hill on the West side of town the University of New England is set on and area of over 100 hectares, with the majestic Booloominbah House at the top of the hill. This is a classic two story Victorian era mansion built by the prominent grazier Frederick White in 1888. It is constructed from a local brick, known as Armidale Blue, due to the composition containing basalt.  During World War I the building was used as a convalescent home for wounded soldiers.

Carvings on the mantel above the dining room fire place (above).