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The GARDEN is opened to the public twice a year - once on Mothers Day and again later in the year - this later date is not fixed but subject to garden and weather - watch this site for the date to be aannounced. The entry fee is by way of dnoation to a local public organisation such as the Burrumbeet Hall or the CFA.

Note: we do not do weddings nor is the homestead (our home) open for viewing

We  will entertain the odd request from school or garden trip bus groups from time to time 

John & Christine Dever 

Ercildoune was settled in 1838 by the Livingstone-Learmonth teenage brothers, and became one of the most famous and widely renowned stations in Australia. The homestead construction is of massive blocks of granite stone cut by hand from a quarry closeby. The Learmonths built most of the various outbuildings including the Gothic styled Managers House.

Sir Samuel Wilson oversaw the construction of the 1 acre walled garden. And in the 1920's Sir Alan Currie made further additions to outside parts, such as the servants quarters, adding a car garage to the stables and importantly the Hydro Electricity system which is still largely intact albeit not in working order.

The rams bred at Ercildoune became the basis for many of the best runs in the country and sale documents show huge prices being paid for Ercildoune rams throughout the width and breadth of the country. In 1873 when the Livingstone-Learmonths returned to Scotland after losing a well documented court action, Ercildoune was sold to Sir Samuel Wilson. The sale price was reputed to be 236,000 pounds. The homestead portion was leased to Dame Nellie Melba whilst the Wilson Estate was being wound up.

Sir Alan Currie purchased the property from the Estate of Sir Samuel Wilson in 1921. Thereafter it welcomed many famous visitors, including the Duke of Gloucester, who stayed there during his visit to Victoria in 1934. After Sir Alan Currie died, Lady Currie carried on the property, as well as she was able, until she passed away. During her later years the property fell into disrepair and much of the fabric of the place was 'lost' in a variety of ways, some due to nature some due to activity other than natural!

The current owners purchased Ercildoune in June 1999. Finding it in a desperate situation requiring substantial restoration as it had been left virtually empty for decades. The homestead and other buildings are mostly constructed of granite and thus are almost 'bombproof'. The interior of the homestead has been restored as to hard plaster, plumbing and electrical work is concerned. It is now close to being as it was in its former glory. Furthermnore there has been extensive weather and rodent protection works done on most of the outbuildings and other parts of what was, in effect, a small township. The gardens themselves are now almost totally restored.