Gladbrook is steeped in history.

Five generations of the same family have tendered the pastures of Gladbrook since 1872. Named after a small gurgling steam which runs through the property, the early Scottish shepherds said it reminded them of home and made them glad, and they named it Gladbrook.

Gladbrook Station was purchased by John Roberts in 1872 for 17,200 pounds. John was sent to New Zealand in the 1860’s on behalf of his family, Scottish woollen merchants George Roberts and Company of Selkirk, to further the family fortunes by buying wool and finding buyers for Selkirk tweed. John married Louisa Jane, the second daughter of Dunedin surveyor Charles Kettle. Although John and Louisa Jane lived at Littlebourne in Dunedin, John remained closely involved in the day to day management of Gladbrook. He was an innovative farmer who encouraged the use of new farming technologies. The Gladbrook Angus Stud was founded in 1892 with the purchase of a purebred Aberdeen Angus Bull from Scotland. The Gladbrook Angus Stud went on to be one of the most successful of its time.

The current Gladbrook Homestead was designed by Harry Mandeno who was a prominent Dunedin architect. The arts and crafts style homestead took four years to build and was completed in 1918. Also during this time Alfred Buxton designed the garden which today features beautiful mature trees many of which are recognised as significant trees by the Dunedin City Council. Much of Gladbrook’s rich history can be seen on display as you stroll around the historic buildings during our Historic Walking Tour. You can read more about Gladbrook's history and its historic trees in "Notable trees of the Strath Taieri" by Anne Elliot, for sale at Gladbrook. Price: $20.