Take a step back in time and discover what it was like to live in the 1800s on the spectacular 80-acre Wandin property known as ‘Mont De Lancey.’
Monte De Lancey founder Henry Sebire first came to Melbourne in 1850 from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. After working around Melbourne as a stone mason for about 17 years, he then took up the 80 acres of land in Wandin Yallock which would become the historical property known and loved today.
He first built a temporary wooden house until his family became established, made the bricks from the clay on the property, built a kiln, and the homestead in the late 1880s.
Several generations of the Sebire family have lived in the homestead until 1993, when the family donated it to a not-for-profit trust, which now is available for guided tours, wedding and other events. The property is entirely run by volunteers.
The guided tours tell the history of the district and Mont De Lancey, which highlight the comparisons between a modern home and the pioneering days. As the tour progresses around the property, visitors will walk through the beautiful gardens set in lawns with stunning trees including a magnificent oak tree which is over 120 years old.
The tour also includes the 1920s St Mary’s Chapel, historic kitchen, home dairy, blacksmiths, wood-turners and vintage machinery shed.
After the guided tour visitors are welcome to explore the magnificent gardens or visit Monty’s Tearoom where they can enjoy a Devonshire tea, barista coffee, and cup of tea or a light lunch. Monty’s guests are invited to relax and enjoy good old-fashioned service, a stylish art deco ambience and spectacular views.
Mont De Lancey is also home to an extensive museum which showcases vintage clothes, radios, tools, kitchen appliances, old photos, plus much, much more.
Mont De Lancey is at 71 Wellington Road, in Wandin, and is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
To find out more, phone 5964 2088 or visit www.montdelancey.org.au
