Eynesbury

In 1870, a vast estate west of Melbourne was divided. This birthed Eynesbury, a place whose story intertwines with the Staughton family. Simon Staughton, born in a small English town also named Eynesbury, arrived in Australia in 1841. He amassed a massive 101,000-acre estate. Upon his death in 1863, his children inherited this land. They divided it into four distinct properties: Exford, Nerowie, Staughton Vale, and Eynesbury. Eynesbury’s homestead, constructed by Simon’s son Samuel in 1872, became the grandest of the four. It stands today, a testament to the family’s legacy and a window into the past. The homestead saw expansions in the 1880s, with the addition of a billiard room and formal dining room. These rooms remain remarkably preserved. They still feature the original wallpaper, paintwork, and furnishings, offering a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of the Staughtons. The Eynesbury estate wasn’t just a family home. It was a hub of activity, shaping the local community. Samuel, a prominent figure, was elected to the Victorian Parliament in 1880. The same year, he founded the Melton Football Club. He also played a key role in bringing the railway to Melton, donating land for the station which opened in 1884. Eynesbury also hosted the first annual cricket match against Wyndham in 1880, a tradition reflecting the community spirit. The grounds boast an ornamental lake built in 1897, enhancing the already picturesque landscape. This was added to the existing orchard and vegetable gardens. In 1947, the Eynesbury Pastoral Company sold Eynesbury to John Baillieu. The property’s polo fields remain under Baillieu family ownership. Eynesbury transitioned in the 21st century. A residential development was announced in 2003. The Eynesbury Golf Course opened in 2007, attracting golf enthusiasts to the area. The first new homes were completed in 2008, marking the start of a growing community. Resimax Group took ownership in 2019, continuing the Eynesbury story. The Eynesbury Homestead, after careful restoration, now anchors the Eynesbury Quarter, an entertainment precinct that breathes new life into the historic site. This homestead and other structures remain a reminder of Eynesbury’s vibrant past. They exist alongside the modern township. Eynesbury is more than just a place. It’s a tapestry woven from threads of family history, community spirit, and a landscape steeped in time.