Historical homes tour

By Ed Merrison
HISTORY buffs in the Hills can discover Arcadia on their doorstep.
The Southern Sherbrooke Historical Society will be holding tours of Arcady, an elegant country retreat in Belgrave Heights on Sunday, 8 October at 1.30pm.
The society will also conduct a tour of Mt Heatherly in Belgrave for the Shire of Yarra Ranges Heritage Festival event.
Arcady was once the country retreat of the Plairre family of Ferguson-Plairre bakeries fame.
Built before 1920, the strikingly attractive house is set in expansive gardens on the slopes of a creek gully, and has a colourful and varied history.
Meanwhile, Mt Heatherly was built about 1881 on a 129-hectare selection on the banks of Monbulk Creek and is still surrounded by a beautiful garden.
Society president Susan Heywood-Downard said the tour was a chance to learn about the homes and getaways of original settlers.
“It offers an opportunity to have a look at some of the oldest properties in the area,” she said. “A lot of these retain their original character and have been well looked after.”
Ms Heywood-Downard hoped the heritage event would tempt a wide range of people to discover local history.
“I think most people are interested in the area they live in but many don’t know what was there before they came along,” she said.
“This gives them insight into the lives of those who trod these paths before them.”
Bookings for the event are essential and can be made by calling Marian on 5968 3762 or Susan on 9754 5615.
The cost is $5 per person and afternoon tea is included.