Calthorpes House, Canberra Travel Guide

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Experience 1920s Canberra: Explore the remarkably preserved Calthorpes' House and garden, a window into family life in the capital's early days.

Step back in time at Calthorpes' House, a remarkably preserved 1927 home in Red Hill, Canberra. Filled with the original Calthorpe family's furnishings and belongings, the house offers a unique glimpse into middle-class life in the capital's early years.

A brief summary to Calthorpes House

24 Mugga Way, Red Hill, Australian Capital Territory, 2603, AU
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Saturday 1 pm-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Calthorpes House.

Entry is by guided tour only, so book your ticket in advance to secure your spot.
Allow at least an hour to fully explore the house and gardens.
Parking is limited on-site; consider parking on nearby streets.
Photography is not permitted inside the house.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From the Canberra City Centre, take Transport Canberra bus route 56 towards Red Hill. Alight at the Monaro Cr after Flinders Way stop. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to Calthorpes' House at 24 Mugga Way. A single bus fare costs $2 - $5.
Taxi/Ride-Share

From Canberra City Centre, a taxi or ride-share to Calthorpes' House takes approximately 10 minutes. Expect to pay around $21 - $28 for the trip.
Walking

From the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre, walking to Calthorpes' House will take approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes. Head south-east, toward the outer State Circle around Parliament House, take the fifth exit onto Melbourne Avenue, at the roundabout turn left onto Mugga Way. Calthorpes' House will be on the left.

Discover more about Calthorpes House

Calthorpes' House, located in the leafy suburb of Red Hill, offers a captivating glimpse into the domestic life of a Canberra family in the late 1920s. Built in 1927 for Harry and Dell Calthorpe, the house remains virtually unchanged, providing an authentic snapshot of the era's style and taste. Harry Calthorpe was a partner in a successful stock and station agency, and his wife Dell embraced the opportunity to build a modern home in the new capital.The house itself was designed by Oakley and Parkes, the same firm that designed The Lodge, the Prime Minister's residence. The design reflects the 'Garden City' ideal, featuring a roughcast exterior, tiled roof, and a layout suited to Canberra's climate. Inside, visitors can explore the original furnishings, household appliances, and family photos, offering a vivid story of Canberra's early family life. The property also features a well-maintained garden and even an original air raid shelter from World War II.Calthorpes' House is more than just a museum; it's a time capsule. The house provides a unique opportunity to understand the material world of a middle-class family in early Canberra. Unlike many house museums, Calthorpes' House retains its original contents and garden, offering an unparalleled sense of authenticity.