THE BRANIGAN WOMEN OF
BECKWORTH RETREAT
Beckworth Retreat is more than a place to rest—it's a place with a heartbeat. For six generations, Branigan women have shaped this land with their hands, hearts, and quiet strength. From the first matriarch’s journey across oceans to today’s caretakers, their stories are the foundation of this retreat.
We have named each of the 6 rooms available for guests after each of the six generations of Branigan women who have owned the land with their husbands and whose surnames would otherwise be lost to the farm.
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DUNN-ROBINS ROOM
This room honours Janet Dunn, who journeyed from Ireland in 1861 with her husband and children—one of whom was born mid-voyage aboard the Shalimar. She raised a large family and built a life from scratch in rural Victoria, living on the farm until 1913. Alongside her is Emma Robins, who married into the family in 1896. After her husband’s early death, Emma raised their children through hardship, holding the family and the land together with resilience. Her children’s memories—like riding horseback to school—are stitched into the story of this place.
MADDEN-BRANIGAN ROOM
This room reflects the life and influence of Lila Madden, a schoolteacher from Thornbury who married James Stewart Branigan in 1928. She raised their family on the farm and lived into her late 80s, remembered for her strength, warmth, and wisdom. Also honoured here is Lynette Branigan, who grew up riding ponies to Clunes School and later married Thomas Fenner. Though her own children didn’t grow up on the farm, they returned regularly, keeping the connection alive across generations.
GRIFFITHS-FENNER ROOM
The present meets the past in this room, dedicated to Barbara Griffiths, who married Bradley Fenner—the youngest son of Lynette. Barbara and Bradley are the current stewards of Beckworth Retreat, preserving its stories while opening its doors to new ones. Their daughter, Cluny Fenner, represents the sixth generation of Branigan women. A frequent visitor and contributor to the home’s recent renovations, Cluny continues the legacy of care, creativity, and connection to this land.