Abercrombie House, on the outskirts of Bathurst, is a 19th century estate house. It was built in the style, so their information says, of a Scottish Manor House. I can’t say I understand enough about building styles to know whether that makes sense, architecturally. However, it is certainly a grand house.

The House

Not a Museum

Abercrombie House is unique because the current owners still live there. It’s not a museum. While much of the furniture reflects the era when the house was built, it maintains a practical, homely atmosphere that most museums can’t replicate. Some rooms have televisions and other modern conveniences. The Morgan family has worked hard to restore and preserve this grand old house.

If you’re looking for an artificial “frozen-in-time” experience (complete with everything perfectly arranged and in place), this isn’t the place for you. However, if you’re interested in visiting a genuine historic home that retains its character while feeling authentically lived-in, consider paying a visit to the Morgan family.

The House as a living reminder

In the public rooms, signs tell the stories of the Stewarts, the Morgans, and the house’s history. On the day we visited, the current owners, Chris and Xanthe, were busy with various tasks around the house. This is truly their home, and they raised their family in the rooms you can explore.

One of their relatives runs the coffee machine. I apologize, but I didn’t catch her name. They don’t run a full café, but they do have a proper coffee machine. Their website mentions that homemade treats are sometimes available. If you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, the website also notes that they host High Teas and Sunday Roast lunches in the ballroom throughout the year.

The Outbuildings

Like any farm, the property has several outbuildings. The original dairy has been extended and converted into a second residence. It is not accessible. The original stables have been transformed into group accommodation. When no groups are staying you are welcome to walk around the outside. This cluster of buildings also includes a small chapel. Over the years, additional buildings have been added around the stables.

Further down the hill from the stables stands the grand old Coach House. It has been derelict for many years, though signs indicate it has recently been re-roofed. The owners are currently considering how to restore it and what purpose it will serve.

In the Grounds

While the house is certainly the centrepiece, the grounds are also accessible. If you’re not so interested in the house, there are many shady (or not so shady) places around the grounds where a picnic could be had. One nice flat lawn, surrounded by a pergola, suggests that it might have been a croquet lawn, or used for formal outdoor entertaining.

There is a formal flower garden, and numerous lawns and other spaces. A number of peacocks roam free throughout the gardens, and some were stopping to put their tails on display when we were there. I also saw my first ever flying peacock.

Other images

Links

• Abercrombie House (website)

Disclaimer

We attended the Abercrombie House as full fee-paying guests. Our hosts were not advised that we are semi-professional photographers or bloggers before or during our visit. It is our understanding that the tours and information we received were as normally provided to any member of the public. Or at least, any member of the public who asks. Abercrombie House welcome non-commercial photography (with some restrictions). I did not ask for permission to use images commercially. I will not consider selling any images without their explicit prior approval. It is my expectation that any sale of images will include a sum to be paid to the family to help with the upkeep of this house.

The views expressed in this post are mine and mine alone, and any errors in it are also all mine. Any recommendations made in this post are unpaid and are based entirely on my experiences during my visit. Your experience may differ, and I cannot be responsible for that.