Carome Homestead (Mernda)
Carome Homestead, which was built in 1864 from local bluestone, has been restored to its former glory. The homestead is of historical significance to Victoria as the site of one of the state's earliest water-powered flour mills, known as the Carome Mill. Some remnants of the mill still remain overlooking the Plenty River.
It was established at a time when surrounding properties grew wheat that was to supply the growing metropolis of Melbourne and those travelling along Plenty Road to the goldfields. Carome Flour mill was soon built to cater for this need.
Arthur Sergeantson owned acreage at Morang known as Searheantson Hall but after he built the water mill, it became known as 'Carome'.
The mill was small and barely provided enough income for the miller and his family. It was leased to Hugh Anderson who operated the mill until Sergeantson's death in 1850. It was then enlarged by William Hardesty and Abraham Willis in an attempt to make it profitable.
Like other mills on the Plenty River there were water supply problems after the Yan Yean Reservoir was completed when millers had to apply to the water bailiff to release water back into the river. Willis was awarded six hundred pounds compensation for the loss of water power. The mill burnt down in suspicious circumstances and an insurance claim was rejected as the fire was found to be due to arson.
The wheat fields gave way to dairying, pig farms and poultry farms, the mill ceased to operate and Carome became a dairying property.
The property has had several owners over the years and became a well known horse stud until its sale to the government in 2005. Remains of its earlier occupants and uses include graves of early owners, remains of the two orchards, the ruins of the Mill, the old dairy and shed as well as the horse stables, fences and trotting tracks. The cobblestone entrance road is preserved underneath the current gravel road and the quarry, which provided the basalt blocks for the house and mill can be seen on the river edge. (historical information from WikiNorthia.
The building also features the Two Beans and a Farm Restaurant (9717 0978). The menu includes home-grown produce and great coffee.
There is also a community garden at the homestead. Carome Homestead community garden offers private garden beds to local residents at very reasonable rates. They are responsible in maintaining their own garden plot. There are also community plots for people to share.
Location
10 Hathfelde Boulevard, Mernda 3754 Map
✆ (03) 9600 1667
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ Two Beans and a Farm Restaurant
→ Mernda Community Garden at Carome on Facebook
→ Carome Homestead (Working Heritage)
