Have yourself a merry little Christmas… at the Lindesay Christmas Gift & Antique Fair

Instead of madly rushing around the malls this year, why not enjoy a more leisurely run up to Christmas? You can do this by shopping at the National Trust Lindesay Christmas Gift & Antique Fair, Darling Point, taking place Thursday 15 November until Saturday 17 November 2007 from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Now celebrating its sixth successful season, the ‘fair to remember,’ organised by Lindesay’s special events panel, provides festivity-minded shoppers with an opportunity to combine shopping for unique Christmas gifts with an inspection of the stately 1830s mansion and its pleasant gardens, which are usually only open to the public one day a month.

With over 60 stallholders from around New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, the 2007 event will be staged in various rooms throughout the house and in a marquee erected on the lawns overlooking Sydney Harbour.

“The Lindesay Christmas & Antique Fair is an ideal opportunity for shoppers to stock up on fantastic gifts while supporting the National Trust,” said National Trust Executive Director, Tina Jackson. “The National Trust is a charity and we greatly appreciate the support of our volunteers who run this magnificent fair and the many we hope will help us raise funds for Lindesay and the broader heritage cause.”

Shoppers will discover a treasure trove of leather handbags, jewellery, scarves, shoes, antiques, stationery, cushions, linen, fine embroidery, home wares, clothes and accessories for children, and tools for gardeners. The fair is also a good place to stock up on gift wrap, cards, stocking fillers and wreaths.

A gourmet food cellar will feature fine food baskets, olives and oils, Christmas puddings and cakes. Handmade chocolates can be found in the gazebo. Lunch and morning/afternoon teas are available in the courtyard café.

Lindesay is located at 1a Carthona Avenue, Darling Point (entry via Lindsay Avenue). Public transport options include the train to Edgecliff Station and walk down Darling Point Road or bus number 327 from Edgecliff Station or Circular Quay.

Ring 9363 2401 for more details. Admission to the fair: $5 per person.

Lindesay is one of 38 properties owned or managed by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). It is one of the few remaining harbourside villas of early Sydney. Built in 1834 by the Colonial Treasurer, it was the first house on Darling Point and the first in NSW to be designed in the picturesque Gothic manner. Walter Pye gifted Lindesay to the National Trust in 1963 and since then it has been painstakingly restored to its early Victorian glory, housing an important collection of European and early colonial furniture.