Mona Vale, Tasmania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mona Vale |
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Sketch of Mona Vale from 1927
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| General information | |
| Completed | 1867 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | William Archer |
| Other information | |
| Number of rooms | 52 |
Mona Vale is a very large, old country house located in Ross, Tasmania. It was finished in 1867. Many people in the area know it as the "Calendar House". This is because it's said to have 365 windows, 52 rooms, 12 chimneys, and seven entrances. These numbers match the days, weeks, months, and days of the week! Mona Vale is a very important historical site. It is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register.
What's in a Name?
The exact reason why Mona Vale was given its name is not fully clear.
- One idea is that it was named after Castle Mona. This was a historic home of the Duke of Atholl. It is now a hotel.
- Another idea is that the name comes from "Monaeoda." This is the old Latin name for the Isle of Man.
History of Mona Vale
Mona Vale was built by a man named Robert Kermode. His brother-in-law, William Archer, was the architect who designed the house. When it was completed in 1867, Mona Vale became the biggest private house in all of Australia.
Over the years, many important people have visited Mona Vale.
- In 1868, Alfred, Duke of of Edinburgh came to visit. He was a son of Queen Victoria.
- Later, in 1927, the Duke of York visited. He later became King George VI. His wife, the Duchess of York, and their young daughter, Princess Elizabeth, also came along. Princess Elizabeth later became Queen Elizabeth II.
The Cameron family bought the Mona Vale estate in the 1920s. During World War II, the grounds of Mona Vale were used for military training. A group of soldiers on horseback, called a light horse regiment, even set up camp there.
