Glenbarr Homestead

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Posted 2024-05-04 by Audrey ⇒ follow

Less than an hour's drive from Adelaide is the heritage-listed Glenbarr Homestead situated on 35 acres of farming land in rural countryside near the historic township of Strathalbyn . Built in 1842, Glenbarr was originally a home for Scottish forebear William Rankine and his family. Four generations lived there until 1923 when the homestead was sold to Richard Giles who also used it as a family home for the next 16 years.

Daphne Bowman and Kathleen Bateman then took over and established it as a campsite for youth activities. They offered children an experience of country living while maintaining the homestead's strong religious foundation. Both these respectable ladies were subsequently awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for their philanthropic work and outstanding service to the community.

Today, the two-storey timber and stone homestead remains a campsite run by volunteers under the Glenbarr Bowman Bateman Foundation. Its stables and hayloft are now a dining room, with original post and beam ceilings still visible. Its historic barn has been restored and is used as a multi-purpose room for all sorts of events. I particularly love the polished Jarrah floors although they only cover part of the room. Towards the east are six modern carpeted dormitories and a toilet/shower block.

The homestead itself houses various historical collections reflecting the Rankine and Giles families as well as Daphne and Kathleen's passionate interest in royalty and international souvenirs. There's even a "Royal Room" within the homestead that you can have browse around.

Glenbarr Homestead is located at 1400b Paris Creek Road in Strathalbyn. Tours can be arranged by emailing [email protected]. I had the privilege of visiting during the recent History Festival . The homestead can also be booked for camps, weddings and functions. More information is available on their website .