The Haunting of Struan House - Naracoorte
This week we are travelling back down south to just outside Naracoorte, to the magnificent double storied, 40 roomed mansion, Struan House.
Struan House was built in 1875 by the Robertson Family. John Robertson, born in Scotland, came to Australia in 1831, landing at Hobart. In 1838 he sailed to Sydney, where he took up work as an overseer.
Robertson soon took up land in Western Victoria and increasing his property portfolio. He soon had 505 square kilometres of land in his name and built a vast empire upon the back of cattle. It is estimated he had 2000 head of cattle, 60, 000 sheep and 500 pedigree thoroughbreds in his vast holdings.
Robertson met Susan Frazer, a young woman also hailing from Johns’ hometown in Scotland, Inverness. Although his social superior, she agreed to his proposal for marriage. With Susan at his side, John made a bid for land around Naracoorte.
Struan House, the one we see today, was the third house built by John and Susan, the first being a simple timber cottage. There is circumstantial evidence that Father Julian Tenison Woods may have visited, or even stayed with the Robertson clan around this time.
The second house, which still stands today, was built with Limestone, and features sweeping verandas and a large basement, with many rooms, perhaps built for the ever-growing family.
The second house, which still stands today, was built with Limestone, and features sweeping verandas and a large basement, with many rooms, perhaps built for the ever-growing family.
Nearing retirement age, John decided he wanted a much larger home for his family and spent a few years designing his dream home. He employed architect W.T. Gore, to design it, hiring local hands to build it, and obtaining marble from Italy to dress his ornate fireplaces.
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| Photo: SLSA: 1890 [B 10016] |
The house was christened “Struan” on the 17th of January 1876 by Minister Dugald McCallum. Struan was the seat of the Robertson clan in Scotland. John lived for only four years in the house, before his death. He is buried in the family cemetery at Golden Grove.
Susan lived on for another 26 years, passing away in 1906.
Susan lived on for another 26 years, passing away in 1906.
The house was left to Alexander Robertson, who continued on with his father’s farming. The house saw visits by such dignitaries as Prince’s George and Albert, upon their Australian tour in 1881.
After Alexander's death, the house was left empty. The family sub-divided the land and sold the house off in 1948.
After Alexander's death, the house was left empty. The family sub-divided the land and sold the house off in 1948.
From 1948 until 1969 the property and house were used as a Corrective Farm for boys by the South Australian Government. The rest of the property was used as a research centre. When the boys’ home closed, the land and Struan house were taken over by the Department of Agriculture.
In 2008 a two million dollar renovation happened at the house.
In 2008 a two million dollar renovation happened at the house.
The house is thought to be haunted by Frances Robertson (nee Fraser). Francis had married Alexander only three months previous to her untimely death. She had recently visited her sick mother in Adelaide and had also been mourning the death of a niece.
Earlier in the day, and for some days previously, she had complained of feeling sick, and as she had done many times before, she went to the top of the tower, to gather her thoughts and look out over the land, only this time, she wouldn’t return.
Earlier in the day, and for some days previously, she had complained of feeling sick, and as she had done many times before, she went to the top of the tower, to gather her thoughts and look out over the land, only this time, she wouldn’t return.
A staff member found Frances laying on the ground, her head brutally mutilated. She had clipped the cornice of the building on the way down, and part of it was sitting alongside her, covered in blood.
Frances, just 29 years old, was found to have died by accident, but over the years, there have been allegations that it may have been murder or even suicide, but none of these allegations has ever been proven.
Frances was buried in the family plot at Struan House.
Frances, just 29 years old, was found to have died by accident, but over the years, there have been allegations that it may have been murder or even suicide, but none of these allegations has ever been proven.
Frances was buried in the family plot at Struan House.
It has been alleged that Frances haunts the building, with some staff members, and even current workers, claiming to have seen an apparition of a woman in a long period 1920’s style dress, walking through the upper halls.
It is also claimed that Frances will turn on and off lights, particularly after large functions in the building, will disrupt further goings on by interrupting the power supply, slamming doors and flickering lights – perhaps in protest.
Despite this, the majority of people who have encountered the spirit of Frances have stated they felt calm and peaceful in her presence and did not think she was a threatening or evil spirit.
It is also claimed that Frances will turn on and off lights, particularly after large functions in the building, will disrupt further goings on by interrupting the power supply, slamming doors and flickering lights – perhaps in protest.
Despite this, the majority of people who have encountered the spirit of Frances have stated they felt calm and peaceful in her presence and did not think she was a threatening or evil spirit.
Researched and written by Allen Tiller ©2017
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Bibliography:
Title Photo: State Library of South Australia, 1890, "Struan House", Naracoorte [B 19671], SLSA, viewed 15 October 2017, https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+19671
1875 'MR. JOHN ROBERTSON'S NEW RESIDENCE.', Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 - 1954), 8 September, p. 2. , viewed 14 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77177039
1927 'WOMAN'S DEAD BODY AT FOOT OF TOWER.', Border Watch (Mount Gambier, SA : 1861 - 1954), 29 November, p. 1. , viewed 14 Oct 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77712370
Maria, C, 2008, Struan House: $2 million upgrade, ABC South East SA, viewed 14 October 2017, http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2008/01/24/2145743.htm
Naracoorte Lucindale, 2017, Struan House, Naracoorte Visitor Information Centre, viewed 14 October 2017, https://www.naracoortelucindale.sa.gov.au/nlcTourism/struan
Seeliger, M, 2013, A History of Agriculture in South Australia, Primary Industries and Regions, South Australian Government viewed 14 October 2017, http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/aghistory/left_nav/dept_of_agriculture_as_an_organisation/locations/struan/history_of_struan
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