History

Beaudesert is one of Mudgee's oldest farming properties, it was established by Henry Bayly in 1835. It is situated downstream from Mudgee and comprises over 4000 acres of undulating country with extensive frontage to both sides of the Cudgegong River.

Henry Bayly was born in 1806 and was the grandson of Sir Nicholas Bayly, and Caroline Paget, heiress to the English barony of Paget of Beaudesert ( creation 1552) and to Beaudesert Hall in Staffordshire, the ancestral seat of the Paget family, after which Henry named the property.

Beaudesert Homestead is by no means grand and legend has it that the oldest part was built in the 1830's as a temporary home until the grand residence was built. It is made up of 3 wings, that have been vastly changed over the years.

There are several outbuildings that still remain, some of which are still used today, such as the rambling brick and timber stables. The 'gaol' is now a ruined shell of red brick, the barred windows are believed to have helped Henry Bayly secure his numerous convicts. The 'gaol' was later used as a coach house, stables and storage. There are several wells constructed of locally made brick, which are no longer used.