Homebush

The long driveway at Homebush is lined with Cedrus atlantica leading to the historic homestead and garden. The Deans brothers, William and John, farmed the run from 1850, when many English trees were planted. Home-bush has been in the Deans family now for six generations, Louise gradually restoring the garden to its former glory. The Waianiwaniwa River flows through the garden, edged with yellow irises and crossed by a bridge to the orchard and bush walk. The circular orchard of apples and pears is enclosed in a holly hedge planted circa 1860. A semi-formal rose garden and lavender is planted within the orchard.

The woodland walk is lined with rhododendrons and leads to a “cathedral” of mature tree trunks, featuring English beech, oaks and three Wellingtonias. The homestead is surrounded with trees which provide autumn colour and attract the birdlife, including bellbirds. Nearby is a pond which ices over in winter for skating. Spacious lawns adjacent to the river feature specimen trees such as a black poplar planted in the 1850s, a huge copper beech planted in front of the house in 1910, oaks, beeches, rowans and redwoods.

Directions:

From Darfield take SH 77 for 8km. Cross Waianiwaniwa River & pass Homebush woolshed on right. Then turn right into drive to Homebush.