Saumarez Homestead is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with guided house tours running on Wednesdays and Sundays. Explore the beautiful grounds with family and friends, take a self-guided tour of the outbuildings and gardens, and enjoy the Homestead’s famous 600 heritage roses.
History of Saumarez Homestead
The property takes its name from the Dumaresq’s 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. The White family purchased Saumarez in 1874 and worked the property until they gave the 10 hectares that included the historic precincts to the National Trust in 1984. The rest of Saumarez was split up and sold off by 2004.
What will you see when you visit
The two storey, 30 room Edwardian mansion is the jewel of Saumarez. Wander through its rooms and the farm buildings to be transported back to 19th century pastoral life.
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.
Take a guided tour through the White family’s mansion complete with original furnishings. Stroll through Mary White’s garden, with its Jocelyn Brown-style cottage garden, the picking garden and the lawns.
Managed in collaboration with Australian Garden History Society, the heritage rose garden has hundreds of dazzling roses in it’s collection.
Visit outbuildings complete with 19th century tools and equipment. Allow plenty of time to see this extensive property, and experience 19th century pastoral life.
How to book your tickets
Book via Eventbrite where possible, to guarantee a spot.
Saumarez Homestead offers its visitors two experiences:
Property Visit: Indulge your senses in the picturesque gardens surrounding the Homestead, which comes alive in spring with swathes of bulbs, cottage flowers and wisteria. In early summer, masses of roses bloom in the Heritage Rose Garden, contrasting against the big New England skies. Rich autumn colour abounds with the exotic and heritage trees. For glimpses of life in a bygone era when Saumarez was self-sufficient, explore the outbuildings at your leisure.
Book your ticket to Saumarez Homestead (Garden Visit) – includes access to The Doctor Will See You Now exhibition
Tour of the House & Property Visit: Be guided through the intact, furnished two-storey mansion which is a time capsule of family life, largely untouched since the Edwardian era. Saumarez Homestead features a wonderful collection relating to family pastoral life from the 1870’s to the 1970’s.
Book your ticket to Saumarez Homestead (House tour & access to the garden).
To purchase a ticket you must agree to our Terms and Conditions of Entry – includes access to The Doctor Will See You Now exhibition
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