The land was selected by Samuel Hunt in the latter part of the 1800s and became part of the township of Henley.
In 1903, Samuel’s son William commissioned a grand Federation homestead to be built on property which was then named The Echoes.
The architect was Mr Inches from Echuca and the homestead was erected by William Clements.
It is believed the homestead was named The Echoes because of the echoing of the horses’ hooves clip-clopping along the driveway.
The original architect’s sketch depicted ‘St Hubert's’ above the front entrance.
This historical homestead was one of the finest properties in the district.
It has been described as the epitome of pioneer craftsmanship and the most stately home of its period in the district.
It covers about 45 squares of living area with wide verandahs trimmed with wrought iron surrounding most of the home.
Other features are the cedar ceilings, stained glass windows, carved wooden archways and ornate plaster trimmings.
The bricks used in its construction were made of clay from a dam on the property.
The homestead was surrounded by spacious gardens featuring an ornamental lake and many outdoor buildings.
In the early 1880s, Henley was a small township established 3 km south-east of Kyabram on the corner of Cooma and Lilford roads.
It was named after George Henley, who owned property in the area.
At that time Henley appeared to be the focal point of the district, as most of the activities of the time were centred there.
This ceased in 1887 when the railway came through Kyabram, making Kyabram the central town.
The property was known for many years as St Hubert’s, but in latter years has been referred to as The Echoes.
The property has had a number of owners since the death of William’s son, Oriel Hunt, in 1949.
At one time it was run as a bed and breakfast.
● Compiled by Eileen Sullivan, Kyabram Historical Society librarian.
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