An 1856 colonial homestead in the Roughley family for five generations. Step inside time capsule rooms to hear the Roughley story from convicts to community icon. Monthly live jazz event also held on the lawns of the property - Jazz at The Pines.
Hear the real colonial history of the pioneering family, The Roughleys of Dural. The Roughley family story in Australia began in 1817 when Joseph Roughley and his son James were convicted of theft and given a 7-year sentence of transportation to Australia. Despite many hardships, successive generations were able to work the land, build a house and raise generations carrying the Roughley name.
The final family resident, Gordon “Clive” Roughley, passed away in February 2002 aged 87 years. Prior to his death, Clive sold the property to Baulkham Hills Shire Council for $1 so that it would be maintained as a living history of colonial life in The Hills and remain accessible to the public. Clive used to look forward to Jazz days where he would sit on the front verandah, listen to the music and chat to visitors about his house, his life and his family. Clive's oral history is available from Baulkham Hills Shire Libraries and is a fascinating recollection of family life through the 20th century.
Tours of the homestead operate on Jazz days. Group bookings are welcome at almost any time by prior arrangement.
