ryldene was named by Gowrie Waterhouse after Janet's family in home in Kilmarnock, Scotland where they were married in 1912.

E.G.W. at "Eryldene", 1970s

Waterhouse chose William Hardy Wilson as his architect because of his 'scholarship in detail' and his interest in shadow and textures. Within a twenty-three year period the firm of Wilson, Neave and Berry designed the house (1913), the garden study (1921), walled fountain (1921), tool shed and pigeon house (1922), tea house (1927) and lattice screen and garage (1936). Architect Kieth Harris designed the moongate in 1936.

The house and garden, even when embellished with such remarkable and ornate garden structures, portray a pleasing and charming picture devoid of ostentation. Eryldene's unique ensemble of house and garden symbolises the fulfilment of a standard of a genteel lifestyle that was within the grasp of even those were not fabulously rich.

Wilson was one of the first Australian architects to realise the need for developing an Australian traditional style of architecture. He considered that the brilliant Australian sunshine and its mild climate called for a freer adaptation of Classical Georgian. This is implemented at Eryldene with its pleasing touch of informality complemented by an equally important garden environment.

orn in Sydney on 29 April 1881, E. G. Waterhouse taught, for most of his life, first as Master of Modern Languages at Sydney Grammar School, then as Senior Lecturer in Modern Languages at Sydney Teachers College and from 1924-45 he was Associate Professor and later Professor of German and Comparative Literature at Sydney University when the chair was added. He held the first Chair of German.

He was not only fluent in German, French and Italian, and, in his eighties, mastered sufficient Japanese to 'talk camellias' with Japanese experts. Waterhouse was elected trustee of the of the Art Gallery of NSW from 1938-60 and was president from 1960-62. While landscape gardening had been a hobby, the camellia became the passion of E. G. Waterhouse and, as a result, his second career.

Waterhouse enjoyed universal fame as the grand old man of Australian gardening, and his research into the origin of the camellia, its culture and nomenclature brought him international acclaim and respect.

Waterhouse also wrote two books on Camellias, Camellia Quest, Camellia Trail.

He died on 17th August 1977.

A small book about his interesting life, E.G.Waterhouse of Eryldene by Mary Armati, is available from the Eryldene Gift Shop.

anet Waterhouse earned her Masters degree in Modern Languages from Glasgow University in 1907.

Her love of the garden was acknowledged when she was elected vice-president of the Garden Club of Australia in the 1950s. Her appreciation of the artistic qualities of plants manifested itself in Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging.

Through the inspiration and guidance of Professor A. L. Sadler, professor of Oriental Studies at Sydney University, and Norman Sparnon, acclaimed master teacher of Ikebana, Janet was elected founding president of the Sydney chapter of Ikebana International in 1959. She loved the simple classic lines of Ikebana and her artistic sensitivity made her an excellent devotee and ambassador of the art.

She died on 16th September 1973.

here were four boys:

• Gordon (1913 - 1986) was a horticulturalist and, with his father, established Camellia Grove Nursery in St Ives.
• Douglas, (1916 - 2000) was a distinguished entomologist and, for many years, chief of the Division of Entomology, CSIRO, Canberra.
• Evan, (1919 - 1970) founded Bellbird Books in Sydney.
• Ian, (1921 -) was foundation professor of psychology and Head of the School of Behavioural Sciences at Macquarie University and is vice-chairman of The Eryldene Trust.

By 2002, grandchildren numbered 13 (10 boys and 3 girls) and there were 18 great grandchildren.

t was the wish of Professor Waterhouse that on his death, the property and the gardens be preserved for the enjoyment of all. After his passing In 1977, a Private Trust comprising family members , Ku-ring-gai Council, the Australian Camellia Research Society and concerned Sydney residents was established to acquire and manage the property. This trust, the Eryldene Trust, assumed ownership in 1979.

The Eryldene Trust

he aim of the Eryldene Trust is to maintain and preserve the house and garden for public education and enjoyment. The Trust manages funds for day-to-day maintenance and for long term conservation of Eryldene. Members of the public are invited to become members of the Trust through an annual subscription, which entitles them to free entry to Eryldene on open days.

The Friends of Eryldene

he Friends, composed totally of volunteers, organise and manage Open Days and other fund raising activities. They are the working body of Eryldene helping with such activities as: Guardians in exhibition rooms, setting up special displays, providing refreshments, gift shop management, collecting entrance fees and general assistance in the house and garden.

New members are always welcome. Become a member.

The Eryldene Foundation

he Foundation is an income-generating venture initiated by the Trust. Its main function is to raise funds through corporate and private memberships, to finance more specialised and long-term conservation projects to the buildings and their contents, and the garden structures and plants. Donations are always gratefully received.