The gardens were created between 1932 and 1935 during the Great Depression, providing employment for local workers.
Paul Sorensen designed the landscape to be a 'garden of vistas,' prioritizing the framed views of the Blue Mountains over native bushland aesthetics.
The house was designed by architect Eric W. Nicholls, a prominent associate of Walter Burley Griffin.
The design utilizes 'borrowed landscape' techniques, drawing the surrounding mountain scenery into the garden's visual frame.
The property includes a rare private open-air garden theater, intended for intimate musical and theatrical performances.
Everglades House & Gardens is a National Trust property located in Leura, featuring a 1930s Art Deco residence integrated with 5.2 hectares of tiered European-style gardens. The site was designed by Danish landscape architect Paul Sorensen and commissioned by businessman Henri Van de Velde. The estate features a series of terraced gardens, including a grotto, a reflection pool, and an open-air amphitheater. The house interior retains period-specific Art Deco detailing and custom architectural features. The gardens offer panoramic views over the Jamison Valley. An on-site tea room operates within the historic grounds. The property is managed by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). It functions as a public heritage site for garden and architecture enthusiasts.
The reflection pool terrace, which offers the most iconic perspective of the gardens against the mountain backdrop.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear as the garden is built on a steep hillside with many stone stairs.
Check for temporary event closures, as the grounds are frequently used for private weddings and photoshoots.
Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens to capture the tiered garden levels.
Attempting to tour the gardens if you have limited mobility, as the steep inclines and stone steps are challenging.
Closed on specific weekdays depending on the season; always verify the current weekly operating schedule on the National Trust website before arrival.
Stay on marked paths to preserve the garden beds; photography for commercial purposes requires prior permission from the National Trust.
