ONE of the region’s prominent historic homesteads will throw open its doors early next month to raise money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Steeped in nostalgia and history, the two day event at Kalangadoo’s Lowan House will give people the opportunity to explore this beautiful house and its sprawling English gardens.
The event, held this Saturday and Sunday, will include a smorgasbord of activities, food vendors and live music on the picturesque lawns.
Property owners Gary and Wendy Kilsby will open the doors to their property to the public for the first time to mark the home’s 150th milestone.
All money raised will go directly to the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which on average lands in Mount Gambier twice everyday.
“We are hoping people will take the rare opportunity to come and explore the beautiful historic house and gardens,” RFDS Mount Gambier Support Group chair Bill Russon.
“We have something to interest all ages, from young children to grand-parents. A great way to spend a wonderful day together as a family.
“People can immerse themselves in local history and enjoy the English themed weekend. All proceeds made on the weekend will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service”
Guided house tours will run regularly on both days and there will be a wide range of gourmet food vendors, including high tea on the veranda at 11am and 1pm.
Coonawarra wineries Leconfield Wines and Patricks of Coonawarra as well as local craft cider and beer from The Side Project at Kalangadoo and the Limoncello Caravan Bar will also feature.
Live music will echo across the lawns with Tamara Seeley and Ben Hood along with folk band Tamarisque.
“We will have several raffles running over the weekend, with draws being made on the Saturday and Sunday,” Mr Russon said.
“The prizes that have been donated are fantastic and are sure to sell quick.”
The event will also have a children’s activity marquee operated by the Glencoe Kindergarten, which includes native garden arts and crafts, face painting, pony rides and farm animal zoo.
There will be giant games on the lawn, local artists displaying paintings and exquisite needlework and a specialist plant nursery, which will bring selection of English-themed plants.
Furthermore, the event will include garden sculpture/art and wrought Iron.
“We have a local Blacksmith from Penola, who will be demonstrating how to forge iron,” Mr Russon said.
An antique roadshow will also be of particular interest with people encouraged to bring along an item of interest to have an appraisal from regional antique expert Kevin McVilly.
“A fantastic historic display including old photographs of Lowan Homestead, various antiques/relics that were found during the restoration of the property,” Mr Russon said.
Local Kalangadoo history display, including photographs and railway memorabilia and a vintage car display will also be featured.
Special guests will include Adelaide Lord Mayor Martin Haese, Judith Gribble and relatives, who are descendants of William Allen Crouch who built Lowan.
The event will run from 10am to 6pm on both days.
The cost is $10 per adult – children are free.
