THOMAS HOUSE | SAUMAREZ HOMESTEAD

Set within historic Saumarez Homestead on Anaiwan Country, in Armidale, Thomas House is a beautifully restored 1860s country home where heritage architecture meets modern comfort. With sweeping rural views from a wraparound verandah, this peaceful escape is just a short drive from Armidale’s town centre.

Named after its second owner, Henry Arding Thomas, this remarkable home was built as part of an earlier homestead and offers a rare opportunity to stay in a place steeped in regional history. South of the house, remnants of the historic Great North Road can still be seen, winding through the landscape.

The house has been sympathetically restored, retaining its original character, while contemporary touches lend refinement and ease. Soaring ceilings, original mantels, timber floors and timeless architectural details are complemented by a thoughtfully-designed kitchenette with an electric cooktop, microwave and Nespresso coffee machine, along with a beautifully renovated bathroom.

Two generous bedrooms and an elegant living space are styled in a fresh take on classic country design. Understated and warm, the interiors honour the home’s long history with a modern sensibility. Reverse-cycle air conditioning in both bedrooms and the living area ensures a pleasant ambience year-round.

Set against a backdrop of rolling pastoral landscapes and distant mountain ranges, Thomas House invites you to slow down and settle in — from quiet mornings on the expansive verandah to evenings spent stargazing beneath the vast New England skies.

A peaceful, private and historic country escape, Thomas House is one of New England’s most distinctive stays.

BED CONFIGURATION

• Sleeps 4

• Bedroom 1: 1 x King Bed

• Bedroom 2: 2 x Single Beds

BATHROOM CONFIGURATION

• Bathroom 1: Walk-in shower, toilet, and vanity.

FEATURES

• Two-bedroom house

• Secluded hideaway

• Unique holiday experience

• Rural outlook

• Reverse-cycle air-conditioning (cooling + heating)

• King bed

• Two King single beds

• Block-out curtains

• Smart TV in the lounge room

• Streaming apps (using own login)

• Open-plan dining and kitchenette

• Kitchenette with electric cooktop

• Half-size fridge

• Microwave, toaster and kettle

• Nespresso coffee pod machine

• Hairdryer

• WiFi

• Undercover wrap-around verandah

• Outdoor seating

• Quality linen provided

• Parking in the car park

• No smoking inside

TELEVISION

• Live free-to-air channels are not available.

• On-demand channels and streaming apps can be accessed through the Smart TV using your accounts.

NATIVE WILDLIFE

• Please note the property is subject to visits from native wildlife.

FEES

• The base tariff includes 3 people.

CLEANING & LINEN FEE

• The cleaning fee reflects the actual cost of professional cleaning and linen laundering for each booking.

SAUMAREZ HOMESTEAD ACCOMMODATION

Saumarez Homestead offers multiple accommodation options that can host up to 13 guests in total, all set within this historic National Trust estate:

• Elsie Cabin – Sleeps 2

• Doris Cabin – Sleeps 2

• Mary Cabin – Sleeps 5

• Thomas House – Sleeps 4

• This flexible arrangement is ideal for extended families or groups of friends wishing to stay together while still enjoying their own private space.

• It is also an excellent option for wedding parties or event guests, offering the convenience of staying onsite within this remarkable heritage setting.

SAUMAREZ HOMESTEAD OPENING HOURS

• House access by guided tour only on Wednesdays & Fridays at 10:30 am and Sundays at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm.

• Gardens open Wednesday, Friday & Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm (last entry 3:00 pm).

• Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Australia Day, Good Friday & Anzac Day.

ABOUT SAUMAREZ HOMESTEAD

• Saumarez Homestead is one of Australia’s most significant Edwardian estates, located just outside Armidale, on Anaiwan Country in the Northern Tablelands of NSW.

• Built in the late 19th century, the homestead and its surrounding buildings remain remarkably intact, offering an extraordinary insight into rural life during this period.

• Set among rolling paddocks, formal gardens, and original outbuildings, Saumarez Homestead is a place where history comes to life.

• Visitors can wander through the renowned rose garden, explore original architecture and remnants of early rural structures, and experience the scale, craftsmanship, and atmosphere of a grand pastoral estate as it once was.

• The estate is open to the public and features a visitor centre, guided house tours, and grounds that are also a sought-after setting for weddings and special events, valued for their heritage backdrop and timeless rural beauty.

THE WHITE FAMILY OF SAUMEREZ

• For more than a century, Saumarez Homestead was the home of the White family, one of Armidale’s most influential pastoral families.

• Their daily life, customs and hospitality shaped the rural estate and remain deeply embedded in its character today.

• The homestead, located on Anaiwan Country, is preserved as a gallery in its original state, with rooms, furnishings, and artefacts dating back over 100 years.

• These collections offer a rare and intimate window into New England family life at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting the traditions and personal stories of those who lived there.

HERITAGE & CONSERVATION – THE NATIONAL TRUST

• Saumarez Homestead has been cared for by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) since 1984, when it was given to the organisation by descendants of F.J. White.

• The National Trust is dedicated to protecting and conserving the unique heritage of NSW, ensuring places of cultural, historical, and environmental significance remain accessible and meaningful for future generations.

• Sensitive eco-tourism accommodation across the Saumarez Homestead estate offers a low-impact way to stay within this nationally significant place.

• Every visit supports the ongoing conservation of this heritage site, helping protect its buildings, collections, gardens, and stories for years to come.

9:00 PM OUTDOOR NOISE RESTRICTION CURFEW

• For the comfort of our guests, please adhere to a noise curfew from 9:00 pm to 8:00 am in all outdoor areas.

• We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a quiet environment during these hours.

IN-HOUSE GUESTS ONLY

• This property is exclusively for registered guests.

• It cannot be used for gatherings or events, and no additional visitors are allowed without permission.

NO PARTY OR NOISE DISRUPTION POLICY

• We enforce a strict no-party and no-noise disruption policy.

• As this is a quiet residential area, any breach will result in immediate eviction without a refund.

PAYMENT POLICY

• Deposit: A minimum 50% deposit is required to confirm bookings made more than 30 days before the arrival date.

• Balance & Security Bond: The remaining balance and the refundable security bond must be paid 30 days before the arrival date.

• Full Payment: For bookings made within 30 days of the arrival date, full payment and the refundable security bond are required at the time of booking.

• Transaction Fee: A non-refundable 1.45% + $0.22 ReslyPay transaction fee applies to all payments, including the bond.

• Statement: Payments will appear as ACCOMMODATE BLUE MOUNT LENNOX HEAD on your bank statement.

• Agreement: By making payments, you agree to our terms and conditions.

• Bond Refund: Bond refunds are processed 7 business days after check-out and may take 5-10 days to appear in your bank account.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Standard Cancellations: Cancellations made within 30 days before arrival are non-refundable.

• Date Transfers: Changes to booking dates are not permitted within 30 days of the arrival date.

• Event Cancellations: Accommodated is not responsible for the cancellation of events, functions, or activities, which are subject to our standard cancellation policy.

• COVID-19 Lockdown: If travel is prohibited due to a COVID-19 lockdown, bookings can be transferred up to one year in advance with one free date change.

DISCLAIMER

• We endeavour to ensure that our content and images are accurate and up-to-date.

• However, occasional discrepancies may occur due to delays or changes beyond our control.

• We cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.

STRA License Number: PID-STRA-88283

Saumarez Homestead | Elsie Cabin