THE historic Willards Farm at Birkdale is set to welcome visitors for the first time in years with Redland City Council launching guided walking tours of the heritage-listed property from next month following a multi-million-dollar restoration.
The cost of restoring the Willards Farm buildings is $8.7 million excluding $300k for the next stage of landscaping.
From May 6, up to six tours a month will be held with tickets now available online through the Redland City Council website.
The tours follow the official reopening of the site at a special event on April 17 attended by project partners and council representatives.
Redland City Mayor Jos Mitchell said the tours would give the community a rare opportunity to step inside one of the region’s most significant historic properties.
“Through the tours, visitors will be able to see how Council has restored this historic property and learn fascinating insights into the families that once called Willards Farm home,” the mayor said.
“The tours will also include the farm buildings and a seated presentation held within the restored farmhouse.
“I know many people have been looking forward to the property opening for community viewings and I’m pleased that Council has now reached this stage.
“Council is inviting both the Redlands Coast community and those further afield to book their place on a tour and discover the history and charm of this old home, as well as the social history of the period.”
Tours will run on the first and third Wednesday of each month and will be led by Council’s Library Local History Adviser.
Demand is expected to be strong, with bookings operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tickets are priced at $10 plus a booking fee.
Mayor Mitchell said the project preserved a key piece of Redlands Coast history with the farmhouse previously in poor condition before Council stepped in to secure the site a decade ago.
“The farmhouse was in a state of disrepair when Council stepped in to buy the property in 2016, ensuring its history was protected for future generations,” she said.
“The site holds significant heritage and cultural values for Redlands Coast as one of the last surviving examples of the area’s early farming history and is planned to be the ‘welcome gate’ to BCP as the precinct takes shape in coming years.
“The opening of bookable tours is an exciting opportunity for our community to learn more about 19th century colonial farming life in south-east Queensland and explore the property in-person, all while being guided by Council’s Library Local History Adviser.”
Bookings can be made via the Redland City Council website.
