For more than 200 years, the 19th century Evandale estate has captured the hearts and minds of visitors from near and far, earning a reputation as one of Tasmania’s grandest rural properties. 

The latest fundraising initiative is aimed at restoring seven antique clocks – some as old as the house itself.  

The clocks form part of an extensive collection of antique furniture and decorative pieces that fill the rooms of the Georgian homestead. 

As National Trust event coordinator Jennie Staal explained, every piece of the house forms a part of history in one way or another. 

“They say if these walls could talk – well there wouldn’t be enough time to hear all the stories from this property,” she said. 

“I think it is wonderful that Clarendon continues to be such a significant place of interest to Tasmanians and visitors from afar.

“We will do everything we can to see this continue for the next 200 years.”

The incredible feat of architecture is thanks to a county magistrate named James Cox, who was granted 400 acres in Evandale in 1819, known at the time as Morven.

Originally a simple one-storey wooden building, the house as it is seen today would take a further 20 years to be completed. 

The fact that the exact architect remains unkown to this day only adds to the mystery of the estate, which has become synonymous with ghost stories and tales of haunted encounters. 

Acquired by the Tasmanian government in 1914 and gifted to the National Trust in 1962, these days the three-storey house stands on seven hectares of picturesque parkland on the banks of the South Esk River.

In 2015, the house underwent an extensive and much needed roof restoration. 

Costing more than $320,000, the project was made possible by a combination of government funding and crowd sourcing efforts and involved more than 10,000 tile slates being imported from Wales.

The ambitious feat was all made in an effort to maintain the house’s authentic 19th century appeal and protect it against the harsh elements of the Tasmanian winters – including water damage. 

Ms Staal said the house had found a new lease on life since the restoration, which was completed in 2016, around the same time she came on-board as a dedicated volunteer.  

“When I first came here it was all closed, because of the roof works,” she said. 

“I came on as an event coordinator, but one of the first things we did was open the tea house. 

“At the time it was being run as a business, but we suggested it be opened with volunteers.

“Just to serve simple Devonshire tea and offer a place to sit,” Ms Staal said.

“Then at least people could come in for a drink, before or after visiting the house. 

“But now we have found people will make the drive out from Launceston just for tea.

“The word has gotten out, just because the setting is so remarkable.”

There are currently about 30 volunteers at Clarendon House, all contributing to the estate’s upkeep and activities. 

According to Ms Staal, no-one knows more about the estate itself than house-hosts like Lynne Weeding.

“This house has been a very big part of my life,” Ms Weeding said. 

“For me, my father used to have a farm on Nile Road and I used to bring my children out here for picnics. 

“Then when my sister was married, she had all of her wedding photos taken here.

“So I have always had a love of this house and this property.”

Ms Weeding said everything found inside Clarendon today dates back to the 19th century.

She said the clocks, especially, played a very special part in creating the historic feel. 

“Everything we have in the house, from the floor coverings, the furniture, the artworks, the ornaments – have all been donated,” she said.

“When the clocks were working, you would walk into a room and it would be the first thing you heard.

“That tick, tick, tick and then the chime. They are so remarkable but they need to come back to life. 

“It really added to that feeling of going back in time and to get them going again would just be wonderful.”

With a focus on raising enough money to restore the antique clocks, Ms Staal said the National Trust had a number of events planned for the next few months.

“We have consulted with a clock expert and we have been told the cost of the restorations will be about $7500,” she said. 

“Everything we can do to raise money, we will. It is a very worthwhile project.”

Upcoming events being hosted by the National Trust include a soprano classical concert at Woodhall Farm in March, as well as the annual Mother’s Day celebration at Clarendon itself. 

The event will run as part of Heritage Month, which is this year celebrating the theme, ‘My Culture, My Story’. 

With plenty of events on the horizon, Ms Staal said the future looks bright for the historic estate.

“Sites like this are just too important to let go,” she said. 

“There is just something really special about Clarendon.

“I think anyone who has visited can attest to that.”