Nestor Newman, a Finlander who had worked in Dunsmuir's coal mines, purchased the farm in rural Saanich in the 1890's. With his wife, Allida, he built a small cabin as their first home on the property. This cabin still remains today, but was replaced by a larger residence in 1905, to accommodate their growing family. By this time, Nestor worked as a Section Foreman for the Victoria & Sidney (V&S) Railway, which ran in front of their home, along what is now known as Old Veyaness Road.

In April, 1913, Nestor Newman died. Allida Newman was left to run the family farm and raise their nine children. Their eldest child, George, at 15 years of age assumed his father’s position with the V&S railway, albeit at reduced pay. True to the pioneering spirit, the Newman family was self-reliant. They grew their own fruits and vegetables, ground their own cereal and raised prize-winning jersey cattle. Fresh cream and butter they produced provided extra income for the family. George, along with younger brothers, John and Henry, spent most of their lives on the family homestead, which was actively farmed up until 1996.

In addition to the original cabin and farmhouse, other structures on-site include a creamery, garage, chicken coop, barn, outhouse, a second cabin, milking barn, four sheds and two boathouses on the east portion of the property.

In August, 1994, seven of the fifteen buildings were designated as municipal heritage structures, ensuring their long term protection. A public ceremony was held on-site in November, 1994, with John, Henry and youngest brother, Lou, in attendance.

The Newman Farm remained in family ownership for 107 years. Perhaps most remarkable however is how little the modern world changed the manner in which the Newmans lived. Very few changes were made to the structures over this entire period.

In July, 2003, the Newman Farm was officially transferred to the District of Central Saanich for use as public parkland. Initial measures have concentrated on safety/security issues, emergency stabilization of structures, roof replacement and establishment of a Park Caretaker.