From Victorian Heritage: The single storey mansion house with enclosed glass verandah, Burswood was built in 1853 on a site overlooking the Portland Bay for English born pioneer colonist Edward Henty. John Barrow of Adelaide was the architect for this exceptional Australian regency style residence which he designed as a central block of fine axed basalt ashlar and slate roof (now replaced) with flanking brick wings forming an enclosed rear courtyard. Burswood is the most important early mansion house in western Victoria, being an exceptional Australian regency design by distinguished colonial architect James Barrow. Edward Henty, a member of one of Australia's most remarkable colonial families and the founder of Portland, established the first permanent settlement in Victoria on 19th November 1834, and Burswood is testimony to his success as an early colonist. Henty lived in his mansion for 17 years in a semi-regal state. Burswood has been little altered since completion in 1853. A glasshouse conservatory to the side of the present enclosed verandah was demolished prior to 1895 and the slate roof replaced with iron. Johnstone, O’Shannessy & Co was a leading photographic studio located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It was active from 1865 to 1905. Henry James Johnstone was also an artist and studied at Louis Buvelot's school and with Thomas Clark.Painting of a sandstone coloured building. A grand house with a driveway and well-kept gardens to the front. There is a horse and cart with a man standing to the side of it. There is a female figure exiting the building and another female and a man further along the driveway with a dog. The building has a glass conservatory attached to the side. The sky is blue with several fluffy clouds.Bottom right: Johnstone O'Shannessy & Co Melbourne (in white paint)homestead, henty, historic buildings, colonial, burswood house

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary celebrations in Portland.Black and white photograph showing a house (Burswood) set in a garden. Eight people posed in the garden.esther winifred hall, henty, photography, 1934, centenary celebrations

Black and white photograph of a large house with vines growing up the right side of teh building, and an enclosed front verandah with white steps leading up to it on the left.Front: THE ROSE SERIES. P. 10799/ COPYRIGHT (typed, lower left) "BURSWOOD," THE OLD HOME OF THE HENTYS, PORTLAND (typed, lower centre)

Displayed at History House.Colour photograph of a bluestone building with enclosed verandah. Ivy grows on right-side wall. Step with white ballastrades lead to entrance at centre of porch. Attached to (masonite?) backing board.Front: Redmond Pearce (printed sticker, lower right). Back: (no inscriptions)

Displayed in History HousePen and ink sketch of a house partially obscured by trees. In foreground are two paddocks, with two horses grazing at centre right. Mounted in grey matt in black wooden frame, under glassFront: C G Darvall/Jan 1890

Displayed at History HouseBlack and white photograph of Burswood Homestead - front view.Front: 'Burswood', The Old Henty Home, Portland. No. 27 Back: Donated to History House by Mrs. B. Mackie, 1984.henty, historic homestead, burswood, portland home

Displayed at History House.Coloured postcard of Burswood Homestead showing front and one side.Front: The Rose Series P10799 Copyright. 'Burswood', The Old Home of the Hentys, Portland. Back: The 'Rose' Series Deluxe. A real photograph. Produced in Australia. Published by the Rose Stereograph Col Armadale, Victoria.

The Age Newpaper published a servies of articles on significant Victorian buildings that were still standing in 1966. Each article included a story on the people who built or were associated with building3813.01 - The Age - Buildings With A Past Series - Banyule (Joseph Hawdon) 3813.02 - The Age - Buildings With A Past Series - Warrock (George Robertson) 3813.03 - The Age - Buildings With A Past Series - Bontharambo (Rev. Joseph Docker) 3813.04 - The Age - Buildings With A Past Series - Mill's House (Captain John Mills) 3813.05 - The Age - Buildings With A Past Series - Larra (John Lang Currie) 3813.06 - The Age - Buildings With A Past Series - Upper Yarra Hotel (Louis Michel) 3813.07 - The Age - Buildings With A Past Series - Burswood (Edward Henty) 3813.08 - The Age - Buildings With A Past Series - Beleura (James Butchart)the age