71km from Mount Gambier · 1 site · LodgingTalisker is an 11 bedroom, 5 bathroom home at this stage.
Initially forming part of the Merino Downs pastoral run (taken up by Francis Henty in 1836).
Talisker passed to Francis’s daughter Caroline on the death of Francis in 1889. Merino Downs was one of the first three squatting runs established in Victoria. Following Caroline’s marriage to Angus McLeod, the Talisker Homestead was commissioned by architect Charles
D’Ebro prominent for his design of Stonnington (Malvern) and Langi Willie (Skipton).
The homestead (circa 1901) is a large U shaped designed Edwardian home of some 26 rooms (not all are available to guests as some parts of the home are undergoing further renovations). Featuring a viewing tower with expansive 360 degree views, elaborate plasterwork, colour leadlights and handsome timber and marble mantles throughout the home. The original garden design is evident with Bunya Bunya pines, a large Oak and a Kurrajong tree.
Talisker is named for Angus McLeod’s (please note McLeod and MacLeod are used interchangeably) ancestral seat on the Isle of Skye.
Talisker was for centuries a possession of the Clan MacLeod. In 1820 Donald Macleod, 6th of Talisker, sold his interest in Talisker and emigrated to Van Diemen's Land, now known as Tasmania.
In 1825, Hugh MacAskill took over the Talisker estate and completed the clearance process begun under his predecessor. Five years later, in 1830, he founded the Talisker Distillery
and the legendary Talisker whisky was born.
