Byramine Homestead - near Yarrawonga

This beautiful homestead was established in 1842 & is now a National Trust property

Today 'Byramine Homestead' is open to the public as an enchanting memorial to those hard pioneer days of so long ago

 

 

 

Way back in the early 1800's John Hume, brother of famous explorer Hamilton Hume, his wife Elizabeth & their family were troubled by bushrangers on their estate of

"Collingwood" at Gunning NSW

In late January 1840 while rendering assistance to a neighbour, John was shot dead by the notorious Whitton gang 

 

John's death was a bitter blow to Hamilton Hume, but with his customary drive & initiative he shouldered the task of making adequate provision for Elizabeth & her nine children

The family travelled 520 kilometers along a route taken by Hume & Hovell in 1824, guided by Hamilton's trusted black tracker Wellington

The journey took 5 months

In 1842 Hamilton assisted Elizabeth in forming the 'run' which eventually became known as Yarrawonga Station

Elizabeth took with her plans of a house which had been drawn up by an English architect for use in India

She chose a beautiful site by a  lagoon on low sand hills

 

A beautiful garden was established.  The Elm trees, brought from Elizabeth's home in Gunning established themselves & still remain today, the oldest Elm trees in Victoria

Elizabeth named her home Byramine, meaning  rustic retreat

The most unique aspect of the house is the octagonally shaped central room called a fortress, which was designed to provide a clear view for all angles in case of attack from bushrangeers or aboriginals

Safety features included wooden shutters covering the French windows & low door handles allowing children quick entry

The walls of the house are about sixteen inches thick, built with bricks made by their own hands at a makeshift brick kiln by the lagoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just imagine the loneliness Elizabeth & her family must have felt, way out there in the virgin bush, with not another sole or family around, closest setttlement was Albury

Elizabeth lived here until she died at the age of 61

 

Elm tree planted in 1842

 

Cook house & store