Calthorpes’ House is a window into an almost forgotten world. Built in 1927, this genuine survivor is a treasure house of domestic history
24 Mugga Way
Red Hill
Calthorpes’ House will be closed from Monday 25 February for conservation works
$15 Family
$7 Adult
$5 Concession
Original furnishings, household appliances and photos reflect the fashionable ideal of style and taste in the middle class Australian home of the late 1920s.
Calthorpes’ House offers a range of popular community programs and learning programs throughout the year.
Admission to Calthorpes’ House includes a tour with our guides featuring images of otherwise inaccessible areas of the house using our new Digital Guide. The Guide is also available to download via iTunes to browse at home before or after your visit.
You can also experience the house online via our Google Cultural Institute page.
Read more about Calthorpes’ House here...
In 2017, Calthorpes’ House celebrated its 90th Birthday. Along with the usual festivities, a small film was produced to provide a glimpse into the life of the Calthorpes’ family as told by Dawn Waterhouse, nee Calthorpe. Dawn fondly recalls her time growing up in the family home, playing with the neighbourhood children in their garden, cooking potatoes in their Cubby House stove and climbing trees in their back yard, Red Hill. Horse rides, drain pipes, mud pies and dress ups were the norm for Dawn who laments how different childhood games were to many of the games (or devices) played today.
This production was funded through the generous support of Ms Louise Douglas, Chair, Cultural Facilities Board. Thanks also to Alex Sloan, former ABC journalist and Board member, for her time and expertise in interviewing Mrs Waterhouse.
Group tours are available by appointment at all of our three sites. Please contact us on 6237 6500 or email historicplacesbookings@act.gov.au for assistance with your booking.
Click to download the Calthorpes’ House Conservation Management Plan (14Mb)
Open Tuesday to Sunday
10am—4pm
Guided or self-guided tours of the Homestead are available
Tharwa Drive
Tharwa
Calthorpes’ House will be closed from Monday 25 February for conservation works
24 Mugga Way
Red Hill
Open Saturday and Sunday for guided tours
1pm—4pm
Guided tours at 1pm, 1.45pm, 2.30pm, 3.15pm
129 Narrabundah Lane
Symonston