Tanilba House was built in 1831 by Lt William Caswell employing convict labour. A small gaol and an exterior kitchen are reminders of the days of convicts and servants.
In 1834 he planted a vineyard at Tanilba on ten acres around the house. He was possibly one of the first vignerons in the Hunter Valley and did well with his harvest. This was followed by neighbours in the Raymond Terrace district, who also did well with wines. (Paddle, 1992, p.13).
The growing family were on good terms with the local Aborigines whose children played with their own. However, there numbers soon diminished as they did throughout the colony. Emily Caswell wrote in 1841:
When we first came here all around we saw nothing but the blacks' fires and canoes, but now only a dozen are left of our tribes...they bring fish and oysters for flour...our blacks are harmless inoffensive people...their children are stout and spend half their day in the sea...each tribe had land allotted...they used to fight among themselves very often and had 'corroborys' - jumping up and down; and mourning by smearing themselves with white clay, saying [enigmatically] "Die - jump up white man".
Constructed of quartz porphyry stone which was quarried nearby. The mortar came from lime produced by burning oysters.Featuring 1/2 metre thick walls, high ceilings and large rooms with exhibits to suggest what life was like during our country's past.
The house has numerous and genuinely interesting historic displays. There are letters written by the Caswells, dressmaker's dummies adorned with delicate dresses and underwear from the late nineteenth century, old newspapers and crockery, antique furnishings and presses, a remarkable book collection with items dating back to the 17th century, and other memorabilia.
Open to the public on SUNDAYS and WEDNESDAYS
between 10.30 and 4.30. Other days are available by appointment.
Entry is $9.50 Adult, $2.00 for children under 15, Under 5's are free. Family ticket $20
This includes Coffee, tea or a soft drink.
Devonshire teas and light lunches are available and are best enjoyed on the beautiful wide verandahs or snuggled around the fire in the drawing room.
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| The Temple |
Ideal wedding venue and very popular!
Contact Helen Taylor on (02) 4982 4866
Port Stephens Visitors Centre on (02) 4981 1579
*Unsupervised children will be put in gaol and sold as slaves*
