HISTORY - Ellerslie Homestead

Ellerslie Homestead

HISTORY

Quality Old World Charm

Bed & Breakfast

A National Trust (Vic) Listed Property,
Registered on the State Historical Building Register
and the National Estate

Ellerslie Homestead sits on the last remaining 1 ¼ acres of what was originally one of the first 89 acre allotments, when the valley was subdivided by the Government Surveyor in 1839. The first owner was a Scottish Merchant, Mr. Peter Inglis who bought it at auction in 1841. He gave it to his friend a Mr Archibald Fiskin who married his daughter – for “Thirty pounds and a promise never to go into debt”. Both men became early pioneers of the cattle industry, and Archibald Fiskin built the cool-store and cottage complex in the 1840’s to accommodate first himself and then his workers. You can still see the meat hooks in the lathe and plaster ceiling of the cool-store. Archibald Fiskin then built Lal-Lal near Fiskville and Ellerlsie was then rented out to the Scottish Langmuir family in 1856. They bought it in 1861 at the expiration of their lease and built the main homestead to accommodate their family of 3 daughters and one son. It operated as a dairy farm for many years and then also as an orchard, producing apples and apricots.

In 1901 Ellerlsie was bought by the McGrath family and remained in that family until Mrs. Ellen McGrath died in 1983. It was bought by the current owner in 1984 in an attempt to stop the Local Council from knocking the whole of the property down and building a through road. Two protracted fights with the local council took place in 1984-5 and 1990-91 and now Ellerslie Homestead is one of the safest properties in the world thanks to the support of the National Trust, the State Historic Buildings Council and the National Estate Register. Ellerslie Homestead was the first property in Australia to be protected by a tri-partite covenant with the National Trust and the Minister for Planning and Environment and the Owner on behalf of the property under an Act of Parliament (April 1984) to protect the land and the gardens and all the buildings – thereby preserving them for the enjoyment of generations to come.

Located 5 minutes easy walk from all shops and amenities in a quiet residential court, Ellerslie Homestead provides the ideal location for a quick overnight stay, a pleasant honeymoon night, or a relaxed holiday (extended stays -- lower tariffs).

No check in or check out times. Complimentary tea and coffee available at all times, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. T.V. and stereo room or a quiet lounge room for relaxing and reading. Continental breakfast included.

Enjoy the antique and craft shops or picnic and bush walk in the local area.