It came as a shock to discover that the house my great great grandfather owned, raised a footy team of kids in, and operated a business from was right on the Bass Highway, and I'd driven past it many times.

Harbourne is located at Elizabeth Town, right on the Bass Highway and about 400 metres past the Elizabeth Town Bakery. It was built in the 1850's by David Clyne who operated it as a Coaching Inn until John took it over in 1867. It appears at some stage he operated it as a licenced Inn, known as the Huett's Temperance Hotel. The original "Harbourne" is said to have been to the east of the present house. Ellie Huett (grandaughter)related the story that the house was burnt down & the contents all destroyed, these included the original items brought from England.

A row of poplar trees that line the Bass Highway for about 100 metres leading up to Harbourne were said to have been planted by John from seeds he brought out from England. My grandfather (Elvin Huett) verifies this, saying that his father had told him he had helped plant them.

Stuart and Jackie Currie were the owners at Harbourne when I visited with my father (Neil Huett) and grandfather (Elvin Huett). They were extremely welcoming people and very willing to share everything they knew. The house has been well maintained and Jackie and Stuart had maticulously decorated the house in keeping with it's heritage.

There has clearly been rooms destroyed at the back, and a section added on at the front in recent times. However, Stuart believes the brickwork around the many fireplaces is the original work, and even pointed out some cobblestone that still remains in the nearby paddock. There are also many foundation remains scattered around, most likely from the stables that were destroyed by fire years after John's death.

We are extremely grateful to Stuart and Jackie for being so welcoming to us, and for allowing us to take the following pictues.


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