Merton

Merton is a heritage farm and residence in Denman, comprising a stone cottage from 1825 and a Victorian-era homestead with decorative detailing. The two buildings sit along Jerrys Plains Road and demonstrate two distinct building periods of the property.

Commander William Ogilvie, a naval officer who served under Lord Nelson, founded the estate in 1825 and named it after Nelson's house in Surrey. The family later expanded and modified the buildings to meet changing needs over succeeding decades.

The property served as the social center of Upper Hunter Valley, drawing people to settle around its structures and community facilities. Visitors can still sense how important this place was for early settlement in the region.

The property is registered as a state heritage site and managed by Heritage NSW for protection and documentation. Visitors can view the buildings from the road and observe the layout to understand how the structures relate to the surrounding landscape.

The White family transformed the estate into a renowned horse breeding operation and even prepared it for a visit from the Prince of Wales during his 1910 tour of the region. This royal connection reveals how highly regarded the property was at that time.

Location: New South Wales

GPS coordinates: -32.39410,150.71910

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:47