T
Tania Admin
This Place looks Gorgeous. I have no doubt it has a "feel"to it. Places with a true History always enthral me, I like to step back in time. Another on my list of places I would like to visit 
Muggga-Mugga is a 1830's rural workers' cottage and as such one of Canberra oldest historic sites - in fact, pre-dating Canberra significantly. A lovely cottage set in beautiful countryside.
Today it is set on seventeen hectares of grazing land with it main building being a simple cottage built for the head shepherd of Duntroon (Robert Campbell’s Estate) in the 1830s when it was over 2000 hectares. The small stone cottage (which replaced an earlier timber shepherds hut) has been conserved and furnished with household items that belonged to the Curley family who moved to Mugga-Mugga from Duntroon in 1913 just as Canberra became the newly chosen name for the capital city – yet to be built. It was also at this time that the Campbell estate was compulsorily acquired by the government for the new city and Duntroon – Campbell’s residence - was acquired for use as a military academy. Not an altogether happy year for the Campbells.
The original four roomed stone cottage at the front of the property is typical of many built in Australia in the early years of European settlement, though its hardwood shingles roof was covered by corrugated iron in the early 20th century. The stone slab building to the rear which houses the kitchen and dining room is a 1860s addition. This separation of colonial kitchens from the main house was not uncommon at the time and was a precaution against fire. Take a look at the painted hessian ceilings in the main building. Looking around, it is fairly easy to imagine what life as a shepherd on a rural property on the Limestone Plain's (pre-Canberra name) great pastoral estates at the turn of the 20th century and earlier was like.
Small numbers of people visit the cottage in its restricted opening hours so you’ll most likely have the guide to yourself and be able to take as long as you like.
It is recommended to call ahead.
129 Narrabundah Ln, Symonston ACT 2609
(02) 6239 5607
Muggga-Mugga is a 1830's rural workers' cottage and as such one of Canberra oldest historic sites - in fact, pre-dating Canberra significantly. A lovely cottage set in beautiful countryside.
Today it is set on seventeen hectares of grazing land with it main building being a simple cottage built for the head shepherd of Duntroon (Robert Campbell’s Estate) in the 1830s when it was over 2000 hectares. The small stone cottage (which replaced an earlier timber shepherds hut) has been conserved and furnished with household items that belonged to the Curley family who moved to Mugga-Mugga from Duntroon in 1913 just as Canberra became the newly chosen name for the capital city – yet to be built. It was also at this time that the Campbell estate was compulsorily acquired by the government for the new city and Duntroon – Campbell’s residence - was acquired for use as a military academy. Not an altogether happy year for the Campbells.
The original four roomed stone cottage at the front of the property is typical of many built in Australia in the early years of European settlement, though its hardwood shingles roof was covered by corrugated iron in the early 20th century. The stone slab building to the rear which houses the kitchen and dining room is a 1860s addition. This separation of colonial kitchens from the main house was not uncommon at the time and was a precaution against fire. Take a look at the painted hessian ceilings in the main building. Looking around, it is fairly easy to imagine what life as a shepherd on a rural property on the Limestone Plain's (pre-Canberra name) great pastoral estates at the turn of the 20th century and earlier was like.
Small numbers of people visit the cottage in its restricted opening hours so you’ll most likely have the guide to yourself and be able to take as long as you like.
It is recommended to call ahead.
129 Narrabundah Ln, Symonston ACT 2609
(02) 6239 5607