Historic Homesteads in the Pyrenees Shire
The historic homesteads that are located in the Pyrenees
Shire are: Eurambeen, Trawalla, Mt Mitchell, Mawallock,
Ercildoune, Stoneleigh and Mooramong. Many of these
homesteads were founded in the 1700's, made by skilled
craftsmen out of classic stone or brick and are surrounded
with gracious Victorian style gardens. Some of these
buildings are privately owned residences whilst others are
open to the public by appointment. Most of these historical
properties are located within an hours drive from Beaufort,
through some of the most enchanting countryside ever seen.
You will be amazed with what you find!
Trawalla Homestead
First settled in 1839, the property had several owners
before Rear Admiral Bridges acquired it in 1887, through the
marriage of the owners daughter, Annie Wilson. He then set
about building Trawalla House and creating the magnificence
which surrounds it today. He fenced off 28 acres of land to
provide a treed background and shelter for approximately 8
acres of cultivated garden.
It was based on a typical Victorian country garden
design, with palms, grotto, rose garden, conservatory,
tennis court, croquet lawns and cypress hedging. Many of
these original features still exist, but unfortunately most
of the cypress hedges were cut down when labour became short
in World War II. During early times the property was a fully
self sufficient community, with its own orchard, vegetable
garden, chicken and duck pen, dairy and propagation shed,
all maintained by six outside staff.
There are many interesting and historic features of the
property including breathtaking views from the surrounding
hills and pastures, garden tours and reservoir and pond
walks. There are also many enchanting outbuildings such as,
the summer house and fire spotting building, the old
homestead, stables, church and shearer's quarters.
Visitors are most welcome to stroll and admire the
beautiful garden, which is particularly spectacular at
various times of the year. Spring brings us a magnificent
bulb display, Autumn, a riot of colour and Winter the
graceful hanging skeletons of the deciduous trees.
Admission is available by appointment only for tours of
15 or more. Refreshments or lunch is also available on
request. Contact Shane Alexander on 0448 522 490 for further
information. Mount Mitchell
S nuggled
amongst a fine country garden stands the Mount Mitchell
homestead. Made of gracious blue stone, the 310 hectare
property contains magnificent stables, a coach house, a
dairy and enchanting cottages, all surrounded by
unbelievable gardens. There are gravelled areas edged with
clipped box, laurel and beds of shrubs and perennials. There
is a large picking garden which provides flowers, vegetables
and berries, and also an orchard bordered by an avenue of
Malus ioensis 'Plena'. From the house, a vista through tall
cypresses and oaks to the lake completes the picture of
complete perfection, restraint and style. Mount Mitchell
Estate is located near Lexton - Melway reference 526:J2.
Mooramong
In 1873 Geelong architects, Davidson & Henderson were
commissioned by Alexander Anderson to design the
 original
timber homestead that was to become Mooramong. It was
enlarged in the early 1900s and was altered to its present
style in 1938, when Scobie Mackinnon and Claire Adams took
residence.
At this time the pool cabana and walled garden
were also added. Claire, before her marriage to Scobie, was
a Hollywood actress and stared in many silent moves of the
1920's. On Claire's death in 1978 Mooramong was bequested to
the National Trust. Her wish was to ensure the preservation
of the historic homestead and gardens, along with the
creation of an adjoining flora and fauna reserve.
Today the homestead is still fully furnished and
outfitted just as the Mackinnon's used it, and the rest of
the property is operated as a farm, for grazing 15,000 sheep
and cropping of cereals and oil seeds.
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