“The Pines.” That’s the affectionate name five generations gave Ziebell’s Farmhouse. Today, we’re standing before a treasure. It is a window into Melbourne’s past. Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden offers a unique glimpse into the lives of German immigrants. These families journeyed to Australia to establish dairy farms north of Melbourne.
Around 1850, Christian and Sophia Ziebell built this farmhouse. They used local bluestone. The design reflects their German heritage. Ziebell’s Farmhouse stands as Victoria’s oldest German immigrant building. The farmhouse is surrounded by a barn and a smoke house. A bathhouse and a beautiful cottage garden complete the scene.
Imagine Thomastown as it once was. It was known as Westgarthtown then. Edgars Creek flowed through open pastures. Immigration was a journey by tall ship. William Westgarth sponsored German immigration. The town was even named after him for a time. It was originally called Neu Mecklenburg.
The Ziebell family and other German and Wendish families shaped this area. They brought their culture and traditions with them. Even a pet monkey bought from a passing circus lived here once. Their impact on Melbourne’s culture and agriculture is often overlooked.
The neighboring Lutheran Church and historic cemetery add to the historical significance. The Lutheran Church dates back to 1856. The cemetery was established in 1850. Together with Ziebell’s Farmhouse, they form the Westgarthtown Pioneer Precinct. This precinct is protected by the Victorian Heritage Act. Urban sprawl caught up with the village in the 1970s.
Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden is open every Tuesday and Sunday. You can explore the farmhouse and wander through the heritage garden. It is a chance to step back in time. You can learn about the Ziebell family. Discover their contributions to Melbourne. The museum even gained accreditation for its best practices.
The story of Ziebell’s Farmhouse is a story of resilience. It is a story of cultural heritage. It’s about a family’s connection to the land. The farmhouse and garden stand as a reminder of our past. They offer a peaceful retreat from the modern world. The memories of Ziebell’s Farmhouse live on.