Mona Vale, Tasmania


Mona Vale is a large heritage listed 1860s country house in Ross, Tasmania. Completed in 1867, it is well locally known as the "Calendar House", for its reportedly 365 windows, 52 rooms, 12 chimneys and seven entrances. The property is on the Tasmanian Heritage Register and the Register of the National Estate.

Etymology

The origin of the name of Mona Vale is disputed. Jupp, J lists it as named after Castle Mona, a historic home of the Duke of Atholl and presently a hotel. Bennet, A states that the name is derived from Monaeoda, the Latin name for the Isle of Man.

History

Mona Vale was built by Robert Kermode and designed by William Archer, his brother-in-law. At the time of its completion, it became the largest private house in Australia. It has received multiple royal visits over its lifetime. In 1868, Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh visited, and later the then Duke of York and the Duchess of York visited in 1927, with then Princess Elizabeth. It was purchased by the Cameron family in the 1920s. The estate was also the site of a military training ground, and the camp of a light horse regiment during WWII.