Australia So Much to See

Sanford House, barn and mill, and Lynton Station

Following the track to Lynton farm house, farm stay accommodation and camping, as well as Sandford House, barn and mill.  This track was the original road, and with some of it used as farm tracks.  You can still see where it headed to and across the southern end Hutt Lagoon on the Google Earth map on the previous page.  On a windy coastline, trees all bow down from the wind. 

Captain Henry Ayshford Sanford first arrived in Australia in 1852 and was appointed Magistrate of the Territory (a Justice of the Peace) and Superintendent of Convicts. In 1853 he was appointed to take charge of the Port Gregory Hiring Station as well as Sub Collector of Customs and District Registrar for the port. Sanford was only at the Depot for a year, resigning his commission in December 1854 in order to pursue his other local interests, including whaling, farming and mining. 

Captain Sanford’s intention was to develop an agricultural and pastoral venture which would supply the convict depot and the Geraldine Mine with much needed fresh produce. By 1855 he was harvesting wheat, grinding flour and running cattle. Sanford initially lived in a small cottage (Lynton Cottage) while construction proceeded on a larger house, barn and other farm buildings. Although the accusations of Sanford misappropriating depot resources had been proven false, he did employ convicts on these works and in his various enterprises.

The Old Mill

Nearby, Sanford had built a circular stone flour mill, which has been re-roofed and restored in recent years. While this is mill situated in the garden close by a private home on the farm, visitors are welcome to enter. 

Sanford House

A short walk up the hill to the partially restored Sandford House which has a prime position at the base of the limestone ridge and overlooking the surrounding countryside to the ocean, and across Hutt Lagoon.

The house was built with no inner staircase, instead using the slope of the land and external steps leading up to the higher level which was for the family. The lower level consisting of servants quarters and the kitchen is accessed from the front and the upper level accessed from the rear of the house. 

The interior is very much a work in progress, and the structure of the wall linings can be seen in unfinished patches. 

The views, looking west from Sanford House across the farm to the ocean, and looking north to Hutt Lagoon from near the house.