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| Markdale homestead |
| One of NSW's classic country homes opens its doors to Our House. |
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"Markdale" is a working sheep and cattle farm of more than three thousand hectares and has been in the Ashton family for nearly a century. The fourth generation to enjoy this great property, including the stunning homestead, is Phoebe Ashton.
The homestead was built around 1920 and it's believed that Phoebe's great uncle was largely responsible for the design. Since then it's had several re-workings.
In 1951, Phoebe's grandmother brought in Leslie Wilkinson, the first professor of architecture at Sydney University to redesign the house around the garden which had recently been redone. Apart from enclosing verandahs and building a second storey, Wilkinson added some trademark touches such as the dovecote and cupola on the roof. He also put in a number of large windows and timber shutters.
Then in the eighties, the homestead had an interior makeover, this time the work of Phoebe's mother. By decorating the house in a traditional country style, she was able to retain much of the original atmosphere and charm.
But just as beautiful and really very surprising when you consider the extremes in temperature and rainfall, are the stunning grounds, which are generally regarded to be one of the finest country gardens in New South Wales.
It was first planted around 1920 but then re-designed in 1949 by Edna Walling, considered to be the pioneer of Australian landscape gardening. Notable features include the dry rock walls made from local granite, the winding paths and twenty one garden beds. Walling is also responsible for the lake, believing that "every country garden should have a gleam of water to give it the qualities of tranquillity and coolness".
Also on the grounds you'll find a polo field and hitting pit, tennis court and swimming pool. There's even a guesthouse which is open to the public.
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More Info
For information on staying at
"Markdale Homestead":
Markdale
Binda NSW 2583
PH: 02 9327 2191 or 02 4835 3146
F: 02 4835 3160
Email: gashton@compuserve.com
www.markdale.com
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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