Constructed in 1862 and authentically restored, the Homestead and
outbuildings are classified by the National Trust of Australia. Within
the homestead is a dedicated museum containing a unique collection of
artefacts depicting early Colonial lifestyles; the families who lived on
the property were pioneers of both the wine and oyster industries in
Port Macquarie. Set on seven magnificent acres including an established
vineyard and orchard, the well-kept gardens still display 150 year old
trees, shrubs, bushes and a Heritage bamboo glade entrance.
Unique in Australia, Douglas Vale is the only volunteer run,
not-for-profit enterprise, producing six exclusive wines, including the
famous Portabella Port from original vine stock.
In the centre of Port Macquarie on the Mid North Coast of New
South Wales Australia, a unique historic tourist attraction has
been developed by the local community to bring back and
interpret the last remaining fabric of a successful wine
industry of the 1800's.
Douglas Vale was named after the original owner "George
Francis's" wife's family, who were Douglases from Scotland. (See
below)
140 years after George Francis purchased the first 8.1ha
section of the property on what was then the "New England Road"
in 1859, the conservation of the estate began, thanks to the
formation and unrelenting dedication of a group of volunteers
known as the Douglas Vale Conservation Group.
In recent years since the "rebirth" of the property and its
rescue from the wrecking ball, Douglas Vale have once again
commenced producing a variety of wines which are for sale
through its Cellar Door.
Due in no small part to the lovingly manicured lawns and
gardens as well as the Museum housed within the main building,
the property has become an ideal venue to hold a variety of
events and has proven very popular for occasions such as:
Concerts, Weddings, Birthdays and Community activities.
Douglas Vale has a no smoking policy due in part to the type
of structures scattered throughout the property, and government
requirements.
George Francis was born in Muldoon, Essex, England on 1811 to
Daniel Francis and Ruth Trussel. George married Margaret Douglas
and had 2 children, Charles George Francis 1838-1839 and
Margaret.
George was also married to Isabella Pittman. He passed away
on 4 Dec 1898.
Margaret Francis was born in North Shields, Northumberland,
England on 2 Feb 1840 to George Francis and Margaret Douglas.
Margaret married Napoleon Wilson and had 4 children. She passed
away on 22 Dec 1932 in Douglas Vale Port Macquarie.
Margaret Douglas was born in North Shields, Northumberland,
England on 30 Nov 1799 to George Douglas and Catherine Corpus.
I have no details for George Douglas.
