Once the home of Dame Nellie Melba, Coombe – The Melba Estate is a property with compelling provenance. Seven acres of gardens, beautifully appointed facilities in the restored motor house and a chiming clock tower – its bell handpicked by the diva from a sample of 80 on offer from a manufacturer in North London – offer guests a peek into the Australian cultural icon’s life and world.
Whether or not you’re familiar with Dame Melba, Coombe is a wonderful Victorian destination for its gardens, providore, museum and restaurant alone, with the estate producing award winning wines, and of course their very own Peach Melba preserve created by executive chef Tony Milton.
After a tour of the gardens, afternoon tea of scones, jam and cream is served with tea and coffee in the newly refurbished motor house. Or like me, you could try the Melba Bellini or a glass of sparkling to polish off proceedings – I couldn’t help wonder: what would Dame Nellie Melba do?
