This is a very unique story of two properties that have never changed hands since the land was originally taken up in the settlement of 1856 by the four eldest sons of William and Mary Beetham who had immigrated from England the previous year. The brothers came to the Wairarapa to set up farming. They leased a 10,000 acre block of land and commenced with 400 merino ewes. This is the story of the property that became known as Brancepeth, it's development, trials and tribulations, the people who made it and the Beetham family who still farm the land.
Having lived in a whare for two years, built a woolshed, store, homestead and fenced some of the country the break through came
in 1864 when a farming partnership was formed in the Wainuioru valley between the Beethams and Williams (laterally of Te Parae) following the marriage of Annie Beetham to Thomas Coldham (‘TC’) Williams. This partnership provided the opportunity to freehold existing land holdings and provide for further development and expansion. As a result, at the turn of the century Brancepeth was one of the largest sheep stations in New Zealand, at 31,000 hectares (76,000 acres) and at it’s height had 300 staff on the payroll with a permanent population of over 100.
You will see the buildings from 1857 and feel the work and effort of the early pioneers as they forged out a farming business.
Find out more about the Buildings and The Garden.
Having lived in a whare for two years, built a woolshed, store, homestead and fenced some of the country the break through came
in 1864 when a farming partnership was formed in the Wainuioru valley between the Beethams and Williams (laterally of Te Parae) following the marriage of Annie Beetham to Thomas Coldham (‘TC’) Williams. This partnership provided the opportunity to freehold existing land holdings and provide for further development and expansion. As a result, at the turn of the century Brancepeth was one of the largest sheep stations in New Zealand, at 31,000 hectares (76,000 acres) and at it’s height had 300 staff on the payroll with a permanent population of over 100.
You will see the buildings from 1857 and feel the work and effort of the early pioneers as they forged out a farming business.
Find out more about the Buildings and The Garden.