On a Beatuiful Day in Autumn

It was really lovely Autumns day without a cloud in the sky and it was warm as well. John and I went for a walk to Mona Vale which is an historic property located in the suburb of Fendalton, close to the city centre. The Victorian homestead is surrounded by 5.5 hectares of English-style landscaped gardens on the banks of the Avon River.

The homestead in the grounds of Mona Vale was built in 1897 for Frederick Waymouth. Heiress Annie Townend purchased the property in 1905, renaming it "Mona Vale" after her mother’s birthplace in Tasmania. She added the distinctive Fendalton Road Gatehouse, the Bath House and the Fernery. Later owners added the lily pond and plantings of rhododendrons and azaleas.

In the 1960s Mona Vale Homestead was to be demolished and the gardens subdivided. However public campaigning saved the property which was purchased for the City.

Several structures and some garden areas at Mona Vale were damaged during the earthquakes of 2010-2011. Hopefully they well be repaired at some time.

The colours were amazing today with the wonderful blue of the sky and all the Autumn tones along with the beautiful lush green. While I was there I meet to two other blippers, one being be@nz. I took a number of wonderful shots and it was hard to know which one to use.

You couldn't ask for a better day!