This ten-hectare grazing property was first inhabited by British settlers led by Henry Dumaresq in the 1830s. Today it includes an elegant, extensive, fully furnished Edwardian homestead, built between 1888 and 1906, and 15 farm and other buildings dating up to 1910, with their collections of early farm equipment.
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Experiences
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Take a guided tour through the White family’s 30 room Edwardian mansion complete with original furnishings. Stroll through Mary White’s garden, with its Edna Walling style cottage garden, the picking garden and the lawns. Visit outbuildings complete with 19 th century tools and equipment. Allow at least half a day to see this extensive property, and experience 19 th century pastoral life.
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Facilities
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Guided tours for casual visitors and bus tours by appointment. The Saumarez Centre is popular for weddings, celebrations, small conferences and meetings. Lunch and other refreshments can be booked. Café. National Trust Gift Shop. Parking.
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Children
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School groups welcome. Special educational programs available for all ages.
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History
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The property takes its name from the Dumaresq estate in Jersey in the Channel Islands . For five years after settlement, Saumarez with its well supplied store, tools, clothing and basic food was the last stopping point for settlers moving north ‘beyond the boundaries’. After Dumaresq’s death the property was sold to H A Thomas, whose family lived in the original slab homestead overlooking Saumarez Creek.
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