The walk, on Sunday, is one of two being held in Lorn.

This weekend’s event will focus on Lorn’s western side, while the second walk on November 4 will show properties on the east side.

Maitland’s leafy Lorn is an example of a garden suburb with its tree lined streets and well kept homes from the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries.

It will also feature some houses from the modern period of the 1930s and 40s.

“The integrity of the built form of Lorn has been well kept, nestling between the Hunter River and the gentle slopes of Bolwarra,” said Friends of Grossmann House member Holly McNamee.

In 1823 Thomas McDougall, one of five brothers who were free settlers arriving in Australia in 1798, was given a land grant of 900 acres across the Hunter River from the growing village of West Maitland.

“As he preferred to live in Sydney, his younger brother Alexander lived on the property named Lorn after the McDougall family home in Argyleshire, Scotland,” Ms McNamee said.

“Lorn House was built on the eastern banks of the  river with the assistance of nine convicts,” she said.

The terms of the land grant prevented any subdivision for five years after which the land was divided between the McDougall’s five siblings. Present day Lorn was the portion given to Alexander McDougall.

Ms McNamee said the Hunter River could be crossed buy Alexander’s punt or at the falls on the western side where the river could be crossed at low tide by those traveling north to south.

There were numerous inns across the Oakhampton area, a good indication of how well used the crossing was.

The Belmore Bridge, which gives its name to the road that bisects Lorn was originally opened with much fanfare in 1869 and signified the future development of Lorn and beyond.

The bridge started as a toll bridge with return fares and fees for stock and vehicles. At midnight, panels were fixed to either end and only reopened at 4am, no doubt to give the toll keeper a rest.

The toll was removed in 1878 and the present bridge was built in 1964 and repositioned at its present site.

Bookings for the walks are essential and can be made by calling Ms McNamee on 49333330. Cost is $25 or $20 for National Trust members. The walk will be followed by an afternoon tea at Brough House.