The doors to the federation-era Gunghalin Homestead are set to open on Sunday (8 December). Photo: Dalice Trost.
For one day, a piece of Canberra’s history is set to take centre stage.
The historic Gungahlin Homestead is normally closed to public access, with the property seeing public visitors on rare open days.
Director of Crace Holdings Clare Gilligan said an upcoming open day on Sunday (8 December) is set to change that.
“Gungahlin Homestead is a heritage gem and an important part of Canberra’s history but very few people have ever had a chance to see it,” she said.
The property is set across 36 hectares and has a history dating back to the nineteenth century.
The first section of the Gungahlin Homestead was built by William Davis in 1865, while a Victorian sandstone extension was added in the early 1880s by pastoralist Edward Kendall Crace.
In modern times, the CSIRO started occupying the site in the early 1950s, using it as a secure research facility. They were joined by an external tenant from 2015, according to the CSIRO’s website.
The CSIRO are set to leave in 2025, after the homestead was sold to private owners in 2022.
It was ultimately acquired in 2023 by Crace Holdings, who announced plans to develop the property into retirement and seniors’ living.
Attendees will be able to see the property in free guided tours led by National Trust (ACT) Director Linda Roberts and Robert Palmer.
[Mr Palmer is] a direct descendant of the original Palmer family that built the first stage of the homestead back in the 1860s,” said Ms Gilligan.
“Ms Robert also worked for the CSIRO on site for 28 years. It will be fascinating to explore the building with people who know some of its most interesting and colourful stories.”
But on Sunday, the house itself won’t be the only thing on display.
As visitors head up the tree-lined carriageway towards the property, a series of historic cars will be on display, including a 1924 Bentley for the first time.
The 100-year-old car is owned by Canberran (and car enthusiast) Ian Oliver, who is also a Crace Holdings director.
Sunday’s display will also feature a piece of motorsport history in a 1935 Derby Bentley. The car is a mirror of the first Bentley to race – and win – at Le Mans in 1924.
“Gungahlin Homestead reminds me of an old Rolls-Royce, and we need to find ways to take care of it and preserve its incredible heritage,” Mr Oliver said.
“I have a real passion for making sure we keep Canberra’s history alive. The Gungahlin Homestead is Canberra’s hidden gem, and I’m so delighted to be part of its future.”
Ms Gilligan said that plans to develop the homestead are ongoing.
“The future of the homestead is still subject to approval by the National Capital Authority and we are working closely with them to develop our vision for the site,” she said.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure Gungahlin Homestead can be sustained, protected and made available for the whole community to experience and enjoy for generations to come.”
In the meantime, Ms Gilligan said Sunday was a chance for people to explore what the site currently has to offer.
“Canberra is so lucky to have this property. I hope people will come and have a look around, enjoy a picnic under the beautiful trees and just soak in the atmosphere,” she said.
“It is such an important part of our heritage and our identity.”
The open day is supported by the Canberra Antique and Classic Car Club, Canberra Vintage and Veteran Car Club, and the Lions Club of Gungahlin.
The Gungahlin Homestead is located at 80 Bellenden Street in Crace. The open day held on Sunday (8 September) from 10 am to 2 pm. Entry will be free.
Disabled parking is available adjacent to the homestead, while there will be public parking on Bellenden Street.
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