History
Saumarez Homestead is located on the land of the Anaiwan people who have occupied the region for thousands of years.
Pastoral settlement began in the 1830s led by civil servant and pastoralist Henry Dumaresq, and in those early years Saumarez had a well-stocked store, with tools, clothing and food provisions for those moving north ‘beyond the boundaries of civilisation.’
The property takes its name from the Dumaresq’s Estate in Jersey in the Channel Islands. After Dumaresq’s death, Saumarez Station was sold to Henry Arding Thomas, whose family lived in the original slab homestead overlooking Saumarez Creek.
The White family purchased Saumarez station in 1874 and developed the land and its associated buildings into one of the largest and most successful rural properties in New England. The White family worked the property until they gave the 10 hectares that included the historic precincts to the National Trust in 1984.
How to get here
Saumarez Homestead is located at 230 Saumarez Road, Armidale NSW 2350.
By car: Saumarez Homestead is approximately a five-minute drive from Armidale airport. Head down the New England Highway, turn into the Armidale Airport and follow the signs to Saumarez Homestead.
Plan ahead
Planning ahead is the best way to get the most out of your visit to Saumarez Homestead. Here, you’ll find answers to some of our most frequently-asked questions about visiting.
When should I visit?
Saumarez Homestead has one of the best gardens in NSW and looks beautiful every season of the year. Indulge your senses in spring, when the gardens come alive with swathes of bulbs, cottage flowers and wisteria. The renowned Heritage Rose Garden, managed by the Australian Garden History Society, flowers en masse in late spring/early summer. Or see the stunning contrasts of big blue skies and rich autumn colour of the centenarian trees and beds of windflowers.
How much time do I need?
To fully appreciate the splendour of the house and gardens, we recommend that you allow at least two hours for your visit to Saumarez Homestead. Allow some time to browse the beautiful range of gifts, books and keepsakes available at the gift shop. All purchases support the conservation and care of National Trust (NSW) places.
Can I access the house during my visit?
Access to the house is by guided tour only. Guided house tours run on Wednesdays and Sundays. To ensure you don’t miss out, we recommend you pre-book your tour ahead of your visit. Experienced guides will take you through the mansion, which remains largely untouched since the Edwardian era, and share stories of the White family’s pastoral life from the 1870s to the 1980s. House tour tickets also include garden access. A limited number of tickets for house tours are available for purchase at the property on the day of your visit.
What should I wear?
There are limited undercover areas in the grounds, so visitors should be prepared for all weather events. For the protection of our historic collections, large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the house.
Will children enjoy visiting?
Saumarez Homestead offers lots of great experiences for children, from exploring the mansion to the freedom of exploring the sprawling grounds. This historic attraction in Armidale is a fun way to introduce children to stories of Australia’s rural past and the workings of family life in the 19th century.
Can i organise a group visit?
Groups are more than welcome at Saumarez Homestead. To book a group visit click here.
Can I bring my pet?
Well-behaved dogs on leash are very welcome in our dog-friendly gardens. Please make sure to clean up after your dog and use the bins provided.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The Homestead is not wheelchair accessible. We recommend that visitors with limited mobility plan their visit and check ahead with our staff, as there are two flights of stairs inside the Homestead, with no lifts or ramp.
Most of the gravel pathways throughout the gardens are accessible by wheelchair, with the exception of the cottage garden. Accessible toilets are available on site.
Can I hire Saumarez Homestead for an event?
The Saumarez Homestead gardens are a unique wedding venue in Armidale with a truly Australian rural setting. With glorious formal gardens surrounding the main Homestead there are several beautiful options for outdoor wedding ceremonies. The Jackson Centre is available for hire for wedding receptions and similar celebrations. For more information, please visit our Venue Hire page.
