There are currently several major projects occurring at Rippon Lea House & Gardens - these include the Port Cochere and grotto/waterfall restorations, the gatehouse upgrade and much needed repainting of some rooms in the house.

The cast iron Porte Cochere on the north side of the house was constructed in 1897 for Sir Frederick Sargood, the first owner of Rippon Lea. The original glass was replaced during Louisa Jones' ownership of the estate but that particular glass was later removed for safety reasons. Since the mid 1990's, the Porte Cochere has been covered by a fitted canvas hood. Thanks to the generous support of the Andrew's Foundation, the Porte Cochere is being returned to its original state and fitted with a safety glass reminiscent of the glass from the Sargood period.

The grotto/waterfall on the southern side of the lake has been closed to the public for many years. A team of geotechnical engineers was commissioned to investigate the failure of the foundations and grottos. Their preliminary report showed there has been some movement in the foundations due to the water level of the lake being higher than originally intended. We hold the lake about 30cm higher than in Sargood's day to provide sufficient water to irrigate the gardens.

With the welcome assistance of a $250,000 grant received from the Federal Government Stimulus Package Heritage Projects (Jobs Fund), work is now underway stabilising the rock work and foundations to allow us to reopen this major feature of the property in time for Spring.