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Delatite Homestead

Other Names

Delatite Run (1853-) , Loyola Run ( 1848-1853) , Head Station Run (1836-1847)

Location

Delatite Road, MANSFIELD VIC 3723 - Property No B1458

File Number

B1458

Level

Local

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B1458 Delatite Homestead

Statement of Significance

The main house was built in 1890 by the then owner, Henry Ricketson. The brick and stone rendered building may incorporate an earlier structure datingfrom the earlier Cherney family homestead complex. Beside the main house is a brick built retangular building with verandahs - and this is thoughtto be the first brick building in Mansfield. An unusual feature of this building is the degree of pitch of the roof.

The remains of the1890's garden include a Cabbage Tree, Hawthorn and Holly Tree. Of the original orchard, only 3 Pear trees remain - now well over 100 years old. When the house was sold in 1903 to the Ritchie family, the garden development really began and has been carried on by future generations of the family. The garden makes extensive use of the site, sloping down to the Delatite River and with views eastward to the mountains. A pine-lined entrance driveway and a circular drive in front of the house add grandeur to the overall effect.

The house has been a centre for hospitality in the area throughout its life. Eugene Von Guerard stayed with the Cherney's in the 1860's and made sketches of the landscape. In later years, the English comic actress, Joyce Grenfell was entertained by Bob and Sylvia Ritchie. Sylvia Ritchie made her own stamp on the garden ( like her more famous sister, Dame Elizabeth Murdoch did at Cruden farm). The garden is open for charitable functions.

Classified: 20/08/1970

Group

Residential buildings (private)