Address & Contact
Wendouree Dr
Parkes ACT 2600
Phone: +61 (0)2 6271 2
Email: info@nca.gov.au
Web: https://www.nca.gov.au/blundells
Built in 1860 to house Duntroon's head ploughman, William Ginn, and his family (1860-1874) this lovely stone cottage has been
home to a few families - George Blundell and his family 1874-1933, and Harry Oldfield and his family 1933-1958 and then the Sainsbury family, who lived at the cottage between 1958 and 1960. Known in those days as Oldfields Cottage, it was restored in 1964 and since 1999 has been managed by the National Capital Authority (NCA) as a house museum. It is the only pre-Federal Capital building in the National Triangle.
Oldfield's cottage is a valuable relic of
Canberra's early days. Encircled by trees it could
well remain as an object of interest to visitors, without appearing incongruous in its new surroundings. Restored to something like its original state it would make a symbolic foil for the majesty of the
Parliament House opposite'.
Water, gas and sewerage have never been connected to the Cottage and electricity was only connected when it became a museum.
Visitors are welcome to view the cottage year round however it is over 150 years old, which means no air-conditioning and poor ventilation. From December – March, for not only your comfort, but also for your safety and that of our volunteers, the cottage may be closed.
The Cottage is open each Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day)
The cottage can open on Thursdays or Fridays (by arrangement) for School and Group Programs only.