Windsor is a gorgeous town located in the NSW region of Australia. It prides itself on its stunning lake district, magnificent mansions, and lovely tree-lined streets. If you are looking for a new place to live, Windsor could be the ideal destination.
However, being a small town, there’s more to Windsor than meets the eye. For instance, there is little to no online presence. Sure, you’ll find a couple of blogs and websites, but they’re rather untypical of a town that prides itself on its Georgian architecture, gorgeous gardens, and English countryside. There is one exception though – one online store that really bucks the trend and offers a fantastic selection of unique fashion items, as well as food and drink. Let’s take a look at how you can put the town of Windsor on your radar, as well as what you can buy when you get there.
Explore The Town’s History
Windsor was first settled in the early 1820s, with the town itself being laid out in 1824. It was named after Queen Victoria, who visited the area in 1838 and 1840, and gave her approval to its founding. Since then, the town has gone from strength to strength, with it now boasting about 140,000 residents, making it one of the largest towns in the region. While the early days were rather quiet, the Gold Rush of the 1850s brought a wealth of new residents and business owners to town. This attracted some very prominent people, including Charles Todd, a wool and mineral merchant, who built Toddtown, a stone’s throw from the CBD. Todd’s work is largely responsible for the present-day Georgian townscape.
However, the most magnificent house in town didn’t belong to a merchant or a manufacturer. It was built in 1906 and was the vision of a wealthy sheep farmer called Arthur Robinson. Today, the building is a private residence and it’s considered one of the most prestigious residences in the country. It’s called The Burrow and it was featured on the cover of the most recent issue of Australia’s Best Houses. This eclectic mix of a wool mill, a train station, a bank, and other various businesses makes up the town’s historical development.
Get To Know The Celebrities
Although the town is relatively small, it’s had a profound effect on some of the biggest names in Australian music. This is largely thanks to the fact that several of the town’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants were owned by the prominent Jack Lang, who also happened to be one of the town’s oldest residents. Lang was a well-known jazz pianist and composer who became famous in the 1920s for reviving classical music in Australia. He even managed to get some of his musical compositions approved for copyright. Many of Lang’s famous friends and disciples included Ernest Thring, who managed the Hotel Windsor, and Albert Jack, who was the proprietor of the Town Hall Hotel. These three institutions still exist today and are considered among the gems of Georgian-era Windsor. There is also an unofficial museum located within the walls of the Lang Mansion called the Jack Lang Centre. It was opened in 1987 and is a cultural hub for the town, with exhibitions and workshops available for everyone.
Among Windsor’s most famous residents is also a woman who changed the town’s face. Noted for her beauty and style, socialite and artist Lady Windermere, owner of the Winchcombe Estate, had a profound effect on the design of the Georgian town. Lady Windermere commissioned renowned British architect Sir John Thomas to design and build her home, called Winchcombe, in 1901. It was originally built as a hunting lodge for Lady Windermere’s family, the Earls of Morpeth. When the English baronet visited Windsor, he was so captivated by the town that he decided to build a house for himself. This inspired him to build a grand home with classical pillars, an acre of gardens, and a sweeping driveway. The result is one of Australia’s most iconic homes.
You might also be familiar with the name of Windsor’s most famous son, George Freeman. The artist and designer had a profound effect on the design of the Georgian town and the way it functions. He designed many of the town’s most prestigious buildings and is considered one of the greatest architects of the early twentieth century. His work is beautifully detailed and is filled with creative inspiration, leading to innovative and unique designs. His most famous work is the Town Hall, which was built in 1922. It’s a beautiful structure, filled with light and inspiring art. You can learn more about George Freeman and his work on display at the Freemans Town Hall Art Gallery. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm and Sunday, noon to 4pm.
Shop The Local Markets
Another fantastic way to get to know your new home town is to get involved with its local markets. There is certainly something for everyone, with fresh produce, hand-picked flowers, unique pieces of art, and even furniture on offer. The best part about the markets is that you’ll often find some brilliant bargains, as well as some incredible pieces that you’ll buy for a song. If you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful dining option or some groceries, the markets are the best place to be. There are farmers markets held weekly in the town, which showcase the best of local produce. You’ll also find street markets in the town centre, held on Wednesday and Friday mornings. These are great places to find unique souvenirs and the like. The markets attract thousands of shoppers and locals alike and are a fantastic opportunity to get to know the town and its inhabitants. While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to buy some freshly baked goods from one of the local cafes. You’ll have to visit the Markets Café on Market Place every week to get your fix. In the meantime, you can get a taste of what the market has to offer at the local Farmers Markets Café, which is located at 154 Market Place.
Top Up Your Social Media Skins
Did you know that Windsor is considered one of the most glamorous towns in Australia? This is largely because of its well-established social scene. The town has a fantastic arts community and there are plenty of vibrant small businesses, as well as some larger corporations who operate out of town. This means there is always something going on, with events, festivals, and concerts happening throughout the year. If you’re looking for a place to be seen, Windsor is the place to be. There is also an abundance of green space, with parks, lawns, and gardens, which are ideal for a mid-day stroll or outdoor barbecue.
One way of exploring this bountiful town is through its magnificent churches. The Anglican church, St Mark’s, is an iconic building with beautiful stained glass windows and a fantastic churchyard. There is also the Roman Catholic church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, built in the 1930s, with its distinctive yellow and green tiles, as well as the impressive grey stone building, St Barnabas, which is the town’s largest church. There is also a Jewish synagogue, named the Windsor Hebrew Congregation, built in 1913, with its elegant columns, stained glass windows, and impressive rose garden.
Wander The Backstreets
Of course, a walk through Windsor’s historic parks and gardens is a quintessential part of any visit. It’s a wonderful way to get to know the town and its inhabitants, as well as to gain a better understanding of the evolution of Georgian-era Windsor. One of the oldest and most prestigious parks is King George Park. It is named after Queen Victoria’s second son, King George, who later became King George of Great Britain. He was the founder of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, one of the greatest museums in the world. Today, the park still contains many of its original plantings, with its tropical climate, wet weather, and cool nights making it a veritable paradise for anyone who loves a garden.
Windsor is definitely a place that you’ll want to call home. It’s a charming town, filled with history, culture, and an abundance of natural beauty. It’s an excellent place for foodies, with a renowned breakfast venue, as well as plenty of small family-run eateries, offering classic Aussie fare. If you’ve ever been intrigued by the idea of owning a restaurant, you can get some inspiration from the local eateries, with the best of them being some of the town’s most beloved institutions. If you’re a fan of Jack Lang and his beautiful design, you can find an incredible selection of items, including furniture, artwork, and accessories at the very respectable Georgian Colonial Markets and Jack Lang Centre. While you’re there, be sure to pop into the Freemans Town Hall Art Gallery to see the wonderful collection of modern Australian art.