Mr Straw's House

"The property is actually 2 houses, side by side, and one enters the house on the left to check in. Parking is across the street in the old apple orchard. The sign is small so keep a look out.

You need to book a time slot for entry as they only permit a small group into the house at one time. After checking in, you are escorted next door by a guide who gives the history of the house and the family. Really quite informative.

This is the property of a hard working grocer who managed to make enough money to build a house on this "posh" street.
When you walk inside, it's like being in a time capsule from 1932. When Mr. Straw passed suddenly in 1932, his wife proclaimed that nothing was to be touched. When she died her sons did the same. As a result, you are walking into a house that had upgrades for it time period: running water, electricity and a toilet, but no future amenities like central heating or refrigeration.

Mr. Straw's coats still hang on the hooks as they were in 1932. There are stacks and stacks of items still sitting in the spot where they were originally. Room after room was the same.

The self guided tour takes you through all of the rooms, up through the third floor, then exits into the adjacent building, and down the stairs back to the check in desk. There is no accommodation for limited mobility. Also, large purses or backpacks are not permitted to be carried through the house."

Barbara Geisler

"This little time capsule is a absolute must to visit. Every item is genuine to the house. Nothing has changed in the house for around 100 years. You are given a small talk about the history of the Straw family history which is super interesting , then you are left to explore this wonderful house in your own time.
Many thanks to the lovely staff and volunteers there that made us very welcome. Well worth a visit."

Bev Middleton

"Lovely, different kinda NT property with it's own unique charm. You really do get a feeling of stepping back into last century from all of the nik-nacs the Straw family left behind from the sweet tins to the old vacuum and mountains of letters left on the piano. Remember to look above the kitchen door and you'll see a switchboard type system for the live in maid at the time.

The garden is beautiful and divided into two for the two properties with a few apple trees and a plum tree. At the back of Mr Straws garden is a wood framed greenhouse that was restored when NT took over and houses many of his sons Cacti collection.

Definitely worth a couple of hours to spend here and the volunteers are in no rush to kick you out after looking around the house. They're also really friendly.
I spent a while relaxing in the garden and reading the leaflets about the family."

Sarah Plant