Local residents and visitors to the Macarthur region can step from the streets of modern Campbelltown straight into colonial Australia when the 177 year-old Glenalvon House opens its doors to the public on three days this month.
Glenalvon will open from 10am today, Monday, May 1 and until 1pm.
But if this is short notice don’t fret as the historic sandstone home of colonial Georgian design will also open its doors to the public on Saturday, May 13 and Saturday, May 27.
Surrounded by modern Campbelltown, Glenalvon House is a sanctuary of history.
The period furnished, two storey sandstone house, allows guests to gain an insight into Campbelltown’s early days in the 19th century as a small farming community.
Glenalvon House was built in 1840 by Michael Byrne, son of Hugh “Vesty” Byrne, an Irish rebel who was exiled to Australia.
The historic house is noted both architecturally and historically as a rare example of a residence and garden of its period.
Twelve rooms are open to the public, including the dining room, library, nursery and the servants’ quarters.
An agricultural exhibition, commemorating pioneers and the farming community that Campbelltown once was, is also located on site, featuring the actual tools used in colonial times.
The picturesque property is home to the Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society and visitors can inspect items from the Macarthur region’s colonial and farming history.
SNAPSHOT – Glenalvon House open days:
Where: Glenalvon House, 8 Lithgow Street, Campbelltown
When: 10am to 1pm, Monday, May 1 and Saturdays, May 13 and 27.
Cost: Free
More information: 4625 1822 or click here.
I hope visitors will look at the barn at the rear where there is a store of old farming gear. It was built by young unemployed and funded by my group Macarthur Training.