The Lodge

The name 'The Lodge' was used in the early 1920s in records of the Federal Capital Commission to refer to the Official Residence of the Prime Minister. The Lodge was built during 1926/27 by J.G.Taylor of Glebe, Sydney at a cost of 28,319 pounds. It included the building and a 2.8 hectare site with lawns, flower, fruit and vegetable gardens, orchards, a tennis court and a croquet lawn. This price also included the cost of decorating and furnishing under the supervision of interior decorator Ruth Lane-Poole.

Stanley Bruce and his wife moved in on 4 May 1927. Prime Minister Scullin declined to occupy The Lodge from 1929-31. With the election of Joseph Lyons in 1931 it was again occupied by the Prime Minister as it has been since. In the 1960s, John Gorton added a courtyard and swimming pool. Mrs Gorton had a native garden established. At the same time the grounds were reduced by a hectare when Adelaide Avenue was widened.

Since 1985 the decoration of The Lodge has been influenced by the style of the 1920s with many objects belonging to The Australiana Fund on display.