Grossmann House (formerly known as Entcliffe) was constructed between 1870 and 1871 for wealthy local merchant, Isaac Beckett, in Church Street, Maitland. On the same lot, Beckett's business partner, Samuel Owen, built Brough House which is a two-storey, architectural mirror image of its neighbour. Maitland was then Australia's largest inland town and the commercial heart of the Hunter River region.

In 1892, the former Department of Public Instruction resumed the building to serve as Maitland Girls' High School, one of the first four, State-sponsored high schools in New South Wales. This usage continued until 1964 when the school was relocated to East Maitland. Subsequently, the Hunter Regional Trust (which became the Trust's Hunter Regional Committee) was granted permissive occupancy of Grossmann House.

The building was opened to the public in 1966, after extensive restoration work, as a house museum. This was the second house museum established by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Following further work under the Commonwealth Federation Cultural & Heritage Projects Program (1999-2001), Grossmann House now reflects Beckett's period of occupancy and is furnished as a mid-Victorian gentleman's townhouse. Significantly, many of the objects are provenanced to the Hunter Region. The property also has a rich costume and textile collection which is displayed in the first floor exhibition space.

Grossmann House features the only operational gas lighting in a house in public ownership in New South Wales together with wallpapers painstakingly recreated from documentary evidence. Other nearby attractions include Brough House, which has served since 1974 as the Maitland City Art Gallery, together with St Mary's Church and Rectory. Grossmann House also forms part of the Maitland Heritage Walk.

Grossmann House is open:
Thursday - Sunday
10am-3pm, other times by appointment

Prices: Adult $5.00, Concession $3.00

Facilities: Available for incorporation of morning/afternoon tea with guided tour tour by arrangement, price $7/head.
Available for incorporation of lunch with guided tour by arrangement, price $10/head.

For more details telephone the property (02) 4933 6452

Outside property & gardens available for photography including wedding photographs. Disabled access to ground floor only.

Toilet facilities available including disabled toilet.

Visit another National Trust property close by:

Tomago House, Tomago Road, Tomago

Built by Richard and Maria Windeyer in the 1840s this gracious sandstone villa was the centrepiece of a large estate. With its family chapel and remnants of the nineteenth century pleasure gardens the house is closely identified with three generations of one of Australia's most distinguished families.

Tomago House is open Sundays 11.00am - 3.00pm
Admission Adults $3.50 Concession $2.50
GST included. Prices subject to change

Light Refreshments Available
Spacious Grounds for Picnics
Parking

For further enquiries, phone (02) 4964 8123

Email: grossmannhouse@bigpond.com

The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is a non profit community based organisation which works to conserve Australia's natural, cultural and built environment.

The National Trust undertakes environmental research, acts as a consultant to government and private enterprise and conducts publishing and educational programs.

It remains financially independent, relying on donations and membership.

JOIN THE NATIONAL TRUST NOW

Free entry to all National Trust properties in Australia and 13 other countries around the world.

Join at the property or call (02) 9258 0123. You will have access to an exciting range of Trust activities, including private viewings, behind the scenes tours and exhibitions.

Play an active part in
CONSERVING AUSTRALIA'S HERITAGE

JOIN THE NATIONAL TRUST AND RECEIVE FREE ENTRY TO NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTIES IN AUSTRALIA AND AROUND THE WORLD.

THE NATIONAL TRUST of
AUSTRALIA (NSW)
GPO Box 518, Sydney, NSW 2001
Tel (02) 9258 0123
Fax (02) 9252 1264