After 10 years of blood, sweat and tears by owners Bob and Carol Dennis, the Vine Cottage Tool Museum & Tea Room officially opened on May 10 to the public with an elegant morning tea for officials and friends.Nestled deep in the heart of Castlereagh, part of the picturesque Macquarie Five Towns, Vine Cottage is part of the beautiful Munbilla Victorian property that was laboriously constructed over the past three decades by the Museum’s curator, Bob Dennis.
“I guess you could say it’s been a labour of love,” said Bob. “Originally I rebuilt the cottage to use as a tea room but then I decided to also use it to showcase my love and collection of old tools from the 1700 to 1800s.”
Vine Cottage Tool Museum exhibits a wide and varied range of tradesman tools. On display are the most complete sets of authentic tools in Australia including timber getters, lead beaters, farriers and chimney sweeps.Penrith City Deputy Mayor Jim Aitken OAM said the new Tool Museum was a welcome tourist attraction to Penrith City.“On behalf of Penrith City Council we congratulate Bob and his family for its foresight,” Councillor Aitken said. “We’re amazed at Bob’s attention to detail in the quality of the restoration of Vine Cottage and by his wife’s Carol’s great cooking which is essential to the success of the tea room.
“The Cottage and its contents are part of the rich heritage that is the Penrith Valley area.
“It’s also important to acknowledge the contribution that the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation has made over the last 10 years to help make this all possible.”
The Tea Room serves fresh Devonshire teas to its guests and is located less than 10 minutes North of Penrith.
All booking information and general enquiries can be made by calling Bob or Carol directly on 4776 1209.
Vine Cottage Tool Museum and Tea Room takes group bookings and is easily accessible by bus or coach. For more information go to: www.vinecottage.com.au.
caption (L-R) - Penrith Lakes Development Corporation Chief Operating Officer Greg Leghissa, Tool Museum co-owner Carol Dennis, Penrith City Council City Marketing Supervisor Paul Page and Tool Museum Co-owner Bob Dennis.
