On the outskirts of Skipton there’s an old homestead, now owned by the National Trust of Victoria. It’s an art deco museum with the house decked out as it was in the 1930s. Mooramong was home to Hollywood star and silent film actress Claire Adams, who lived there after her marriage to Scobie McKinnon. She met Scobie at a party in London in 1932 (the same year her previous husband had died) and they married three weeks later.
The Mooramong homestead was refitted by the couple to be a ‘jazz age showpiece’ including a spectacular hand dug swimming pool. The couple drove around in a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.
I first heard about the pool party from Aime Brulee, as a pool party to end summer. It would consist of Amy and a two piece jazz band performing songs of the era in the garden with a bar, Pimms and a pool to lounge it. It was a costumed affair, with guests encouraged to dress for the occasion.
Knowing I was going to be in the house of someone who was famed for chic hats and outfits as well as diamonds in the Melbourne jazz scene, I really wanted to go for something different to what I normally wear.
Of course, I went straight to Kerry from Bikiniboo and asked about one of her classic cuts and if I could get it in black. Kerry shipped it out for me practically the next day and it arrived mid last month while work and life were so hectic (thanks so much Kerry, you don’t even know how lovely your card was). I bought myself tickets, looked up pictures of flapper pool-wear and thought I was set.
Then I got horribly sick! I was devastated! Aside from a whole week off work, I missed rehearsals for the play I’m in, French lessons, an engagement party and a wedding reception. The day before the pool party I was sure I wouldn’t be well enough to make it. I had a wedding on and was only able to make it because my sister blow dried my hair and helped me get dressed. The morning of the pool party I was chuffed to find my energy levels much higher than they had been all week. The heat was no longer making me nauseas or faint and I actually felt a little bit perky!
I went along to the event for an hour and it was glorious. I did struggle on the drive home though, in a hot car with no air con, and I was exhausted that night.
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| Did I wear my shoes in the pool? Yes. These buckles aren’t decorative. |
I really hope they do the event again, even more than once a year, because it was magnificent. The homestead and gardens are incredible and enjoying them as they should have been enjoyed was brilliant.
Swimwear: Bikiniboo on Etsy
Shoes: Siren (sold out) similar
Scarf: Glassons (I’ve styled it before. Check it out)
Hat: Modcloth
Trousers: Glassons
Pics: Goldfields Girl
Location: Mooramong Homestead
– L
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