Elizabeth Farm – Brick Maker Site

Curiosity tugged at Elizabeth Macarthur as she surveyed the land in 1793. Here, at Elizabeth Farm, on a gentle rise overlooking the Parramatta River, she would build her home. Elizabeth Farm, now Australia’s oldest surviving European dwelling, began as a modest, three-roomed brick cottage. Over the years, it evolved, reflecting the changing fortunes and ambitions of the Macarthur family. By the late 1820s, Elizabeth Farm had transformed into a stylish country house, boasting “pleasure grounds,” orchards, and nearly 400 hectares of land. The original cottage, though enveloped by later additions, remains at its heart. John Macarthur, a wool pioneer, embarked on ambitious agricultural experiments at Elizabeth Farm. He selectively crossbred his sheep, laying the foundation for Australia’s wool industry. In 1805 and again in 1817, he introduced olive trees to the farm. Two of these olive trees, possibly the oldest surviving in Australia, still grace the front lawn. The farm buzzed with activity, hosting governors, their wives, and other prominent figures of the time. Elizabeth, a capable woman, managed the farm and other properties during John’s absences in England. The house itself underwent numerous transformations. Around 1805, a bedroom and verandahs were added. In the 1820s, a separate two-story section appeared at the rear, along with stables. French doors opened onto the verandahs and gardens, blurring the lines between inside and out. Later, Henry Cooper, an architect, oversaw further extensions. John Verge, another architect, likely refinished the servant’s quarters around 1833. Today, visitors to Elizabeth Farm can step back in time. They can explore the house, furnished with period props and replicas of Macarthur belongings. The restored cedar joinery, reproduced paint schemes, and carefully chosen fabrics create a vivid impression of 19th-century life. The gardens, too, have been recreated, featuring native and exotic plants, fruit trees, and vegetables, all arranged around original plantings and archaeological features.