History Since 1880

📍 604 O’Donoghues Road, Wahgunyah
‍Quondong is a remarkable historic homestead with a fascinating past that traces the earliest European settlement in the Wahgunyah area. Over the years, it has been home to pioneering families, vignerons, and community leaders who have shaped its legacy. Today, Quondong stands as a cherished destination, offering guests a glimpse into its rich history while providing a space for modern retreats, events, and wellness experiences.

The Beginning: Glenbervie Brown (1859 – 1876)
‍The story of Quondong begins with Glenbervie Brown, the original owner who arrived in Wahgunyah with his family in 1859. Traveling by horse and dray, the Brown family settled on 30 acres of land, bordered by the winding Sunday Creek. Glenbervie, born aboard the sailing vessel ‘Glenbervie’ in 1838 during his family's journey from Scotland, was a twin to Maria Christina Brown.The Brown family initially lived in Melbourne before venturing into gold mining around Bendigo, Ballarat, and Creswick. In 1861-62, they shifted focus to viticulture, establishing one of Wahgunyah's first fully operational vineyards. Glenbervie's property, which he named Quondong, soon became a key part of the region’s wine history. His siblings branched out to nearby farming areas, leaving their mark on the land.However, tragedy struck in 1873, when Glenbervie’s father, Duncan Brown, drowned in a lagoon near the Quondong property. Despite hardships, Glenbervie married Sarah Hiskins in 1868, uniting two prominent Wahgunyah families. The couple raised ten children before selling Quondong in 1876 to Henry Hope Jackson. Glenbervie later moved across the Murray River, living his final years in Corowa before passing away at the age of 92 in 1930.

The Jackson Family (1876 – 1890)
‍Quondong was acquired in 1876 by Henry (Harry) Hope Jackson and his wife Elizabeth (née Leseberg). Henry, originally from England, was a skilled carpenter, having learned the trade from his father. His family played a pivotal role in the development of Wahgunyah, constructing the first school in 1860.
During their ownership, Henry and Elizabeth maintained Quondong’s vineyard, preserving the oldest vines planted by the Brown family. Eventually, they sold the property in 1890 to the Grondona family, relocating to Lake Moodemere, where they continued farming and winemaking. Henry passed away in 1920, followed by Elizabeth in 1930.

The Grondona Era (1890 – 1911)
‍In 1890, Charles Henry Grondona purchased Quondong and embarked on the construction of the current homestead, a grand structure that still stands today. As the original cottage had fallen into disrepair, Charles and his wife, Margaret (née Dineen), designed and oversaw the new residence’s construction. Margaret, a visionary with a keen eye for detail, played a significant role in shaping Quondong’s elegant aesthetic.
During this time, Quondong was a thriving vineyard and social retreat, boasting an orchard, extensive gardens, and 15 acres of vines. Charles, originally from London, had moved to Victoria seeking relief from tuberculosis. He and Margaret transformed Quondong into a fashionable countryside getaway, hosting white-tie balls and high-society gatherings. Their social prominence contributed to Corowa being chosen as the site for the Federation Conference of 1893, where early discussions about Australian Federation took place.
Charles was well-connected, forming friendships with Edmund Barton (Australia’s first Prime Minister) and Andrew Fisher (Australia’s fifth Prime Minister). Unfortunately, Charles passed away in 1904 due to tuberculosis. By 1911, Margaret sold the estate as phylloxera devastated the vineyard, marking the end of an era.

Changing Hands: 1911 – 1951
‍After the departure of the Grondona family, David and Jeanette Masterton took over Quondong from 1911 to 1925. Jeanette, a member of the Cullen family, was deeply rooted in the region's winemaking industry. Her husband, David, had arrived in Victoria from Scotland in 1896 and partnered in the Masterton & Dobbin Vignerons business.
In 1925, ownership passed to Edmund and Grace Cooke. Edmund, a World War I veteran, managed Quondong as a grazing and grain farm. Known as “The Major”, he was an active community figure, serving in local government. Tragedy struck in 1945 when Edmund was accidentally killed on the property. His wife, Grace, later leased Quondong until its sale in 1951.

The Taylor Family (1951 – 1977)
‍In 1951, William and Ida Taylor acquired Quondong, using it as a semi-retirement property. William, originally from Jamieson, Victoria, and Ida, a former nurse, managed the estate until their passing—Ida in 1968, followed by William in 1977.

The Maggie Fitzgibbon Years (1978 – 2004)
‍In 1978, Margaret “Maggie” Fitzgibbon OAM, a well-known Australian entertainer, fell in love with Quondong and made it her home. Maggie, a celebrated stage performer, had spent 25 years in London before deciding to settle back in Australia. She dedicated herself to restoring the homestead, ensuring its historical preservation.
Maggie formed a special bond with Leo Grondona, the son of Quondong’s earlier owner, Charles Grondona. The two remained close friends until Leo’s passing in 1982. Under Maggie’s ownership, Quondong became a community retreat, particularly for young people in need of guidance and support. Her contributions earned her an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2002. Maggie passed away in 2020 at the age of 91.

Recent Ownership: 2004 – Present
‍From 2004 to 2020, Des Sheridan resided at Quondong, continuing its legacy as a private residence.
In 2020, Marcus and Kait Cummins became the latest custodians of Quondong. Passionate about history, community, and well-being, they have lovingly restored the estate, preserving its historic charm while introducing new programs focused on wellness, personal growth, and children’s development. Their initiatives aim to build resilience, confidence, and leadership skills in young people, making Quondong a space for both reflection and transformation.