A sustainable future for Saumarez Homestead

With elegant formal gardens that bloom throughout the year and a stately 30-room Edwardian mansion, Saumarez Homestead is a stunning heritage jewel located on Anaiwan Country, in Armidale.

Offering a unique glimpse of 19th century pastoral life, this former grazing property has been under the care of the National Trust since 1984. The 10-hectare site was given to the National Trust by the White family, who purchased Saumarez Homestead in 1874 and subsequently developed the land and buildings into one of the largest and most successful rural properties in New England.

Popular with visitors to the region, who seek out its historic buildings and gracefully designed gardens, the National Trust has been undertaking an ongoing program of works at Saumarez Homestead to ensure it can continue to be enjoyed by future generations.

Discover how the National Trust is caring for this special place and how you can help support this important work by volunteering.

Making an entrance

The formal approach to the Homestead has recently been restored. Beautiful ironbark hardwood was especially sourced to replace the main posts that sit either side of the Australian Cedar front gate. The result is a grand entrance that echoes the magnificent mansion that lies ahead. Improvements to the numerous gates, fences, paths and driveways of the property has seen the majority of these in good repair once more.

Garden restoration

After being decimated by drought the Picking Garden has returned to full bloom. The restoration of the garden to its former verdant state has been made possible through the hard work and dedication of National Trust volunteers and our passionate Facilities Coordinator, Jarrad Stevenson. Volunteers propagated new plants from cuttings and seed, and tended carefully to the beds, enabling the garden to flourish once more. The property’s charming greenhouse has also been refurbished and will now assist with future plantings.

Interiors update

The striking two-storey mansion, originally completed in 1906, has also been a focus of improvements and repairs. The Servants Room has been repainted and gutters and downpipes restored, protecting this historic building and the impressive collection of Australian colonial furniture and 19th century decorative arts it houses.

Tending to heritage blooms

Known for its collection of beautiful and historically significant roses, the Heritage Rose Garden will be the next area of focus at Saumarez Homestead. The Heritage Rose Garden was formed when Catherine MacLean, a long time Armidale resident and dedicated rosarian, donated a large collection of heritage roses to the National Trust. Established on the site of the old homestead orchard, it has been lovingly cared for by the volunteers of the Australian Garden History Society (AGHS).

The National Trust is incredibly grateful for the hard work of the AGHS and the donation of time and other support to establish and maintain the Heritage Rose Garden. The National Trust is now calling for volunteers who would like to assist in continuing this important ongoing gardening work. Some of the tasks that need to be undertaken include weeding pathways and tending to the roses. The garden beds are being prepared by the National Trust gardeners and will be ready for the volunteers in early 2025.

The National Trust’s CEO Debbie Mills said, “The Heritage Rose Garden is a highlight for all visitors and volunteers will help ensure the gardens are beautifully presented.”

A strategy for sustainability

As part of the sustainable strategy for Saumarez Homestead, which is funded through the Regional NSW/Create NSW Grant Program, significant works will commence in 2025, enabling exciting new tourism opportunities. New accommodation will be built, and existing accommodation updated, including restoration of the historic Thomas House, a new cabin, camping pods and RV parking. Both the Jackson Centre (former stables) and Saumarez Centre will be revived. Venue hire and the visitor experience will also be enhanced, with work planned to refresh visitor facilities and amenities at the property.

Help preserve and protect heritage

The National Trust is calling for volunteers to support the ongoing works at Saumarez Homestead. Join a like-minded community and help maintain this important heritage landmark for future generations. Find out more about volunteering with the National Trust at Saumarez Homestead by registering your interest.

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