E V E R C R E E C H (c 1860)
The Property,
One of Tasmania’s Treasures
THE PROPERTY – AN HISTORIC FARM WITH A NEW STORY
Ninety minutes from Launceston in the historic Fingal Valley of north-east Tasmania, lies what remains of the once vast Evercreech Estate – originally comprising approximately 3,000 hectares. Today, Evercreech remains a working farm but now in its regenerative state is slowly becoming renewed with soil improvement, tree planting, mixed grazing, and bee farming is planned.
Established in 1860 by Mr and Mrs McKenzie, settlers from Scotland, the property continued to be held by the family for generations and it grew to become an iconic dairy and grazing enterprise on the banks of the South Esk River.
Much of this original sheep-grazing property is now under pine plantation. The original Evercreech homestead, outbuildings and surrounding paddocks are now under the stewardship of the Couper family. Today’s Evercreech, a magnificent 190 acre historic site is undergoing major improvements including improving soil health and tree planting. The property is operated as a mixed rural enterprise with a mix of grazing animals – sheep and cattle and horses as well as a mix of poultry – turkeys, ducks and chickens. Justin Couper is also enhancing and enlarging the farm’s bee hives and improving the horticultural facility which has been growing the trees for shelter belts.
The property retains historic buildings including the Main House, The School House, the Shearing Shed, Stables and Shearers’ Quarters. The estate also contains original elements of the formal garden as well as acres of European-inspired Parkland/the Aboretum.
In 2015, Justin Couper purchased the property of Evercreech. Many of the historical buildings (circa 1860’s) had fallen into a sad state of disrepair, however, the family immediately began repairs, restoration and remediation works to save the buildings and to meet health and safety regulations.