Cressy House is an original 1827 homestead that is situated just 6km out of Longford in The Northern Midlands of Tasmania. The homestead is surrounded by beautiful established 0.5 hectare garden with fruit trees, a veggie garden, a tennis court as well as amazing views over the farmland and The Great Western Tiers. 

Cressy House is a private home to Noah, Oscar, Edward, Margit and Henry

History

The story of Cressy House Estate begins in England in 1825, when a small company named The Cressy Company, led by Captain Thomas, was formed due to the increasing demand for horses in Australia. Thoroughbred horses, cattle and sheep were imported to serve the growing population.

James Denton Toosey, a free settler from Norfolk, England, arrived into Hobart in 1826, and was offered a position with The Cressy Company by Thomas Dutton. Toosey was one of the first importers of Herefords to Australia and lived at Cressy House, built in 1827. A skilful stockman, in 1833, Toosey became Manager of The Cressy Company and transformed it into a profitable business that continued for 23 years. The demand for sheep and wool was significant, and The Cressy Co. was suppling even farmers in Victoria. Due to this success, in the early-to-mid 19th Century, adjoining properties Chatsworth and Richmond Hill were added.

Current custodians Henry and Margit Smith have long generational ties to Cressy House. In 1884, Cressy House Estate was leased to Herbert Gatenby, Henry’s great-great-Grandfather. It was then passed to Henry’s great-Grandfather Norman. During the last several decades, Henry’s father David introduced significant changes to the farm’s infrastructure, including extensive irrigation, along with 300 beehives. The farm thrived, and today produces a large variety of crops, along with 5,800 breeding ewes. Henry is now General Manager, while Margit manages the accommodation at Chatsworth.