St Clair, Goulburn, Heritage museum in Goulburn, Australia
St Clair is a two-level villa built with sandstone columns and cedar doors, featuring solid brick walls and ceilings made with lath and plaster throughout. The rooms show the craftsmanship of the 1800s with details that reflect the wealth of its original owners.
The villa was built between 1843 and 1849 and stands as the second-oldest house in Goulburn. James Sinclair, the town's first architect, designed and built it before vanishing mysteriously during the gold rush in 1851.
The name St Clair comes from Scottish heritage and reflects the early settlers who shaped this region. You can sense this connection in how the building was designed and through the stories about its founders that are shared with visitors.
The Goulburn and District Historical Society manages the site on Sloane Street and carries out conservation work. Visitors should allow time to explore the many rooms and details, and check locally for current visiting conditions.
Visitors are often surprised to learn that this building served briefly as a school for young ladies in 1883 before returning to private use. This unexpected role shows how flexible properties were adapted to serve the changing needs of growing colonial towns.
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