Retford Park Bowral - National Trust

1325 Old South Road, Bowral, New South Wales 2576 , Australia
Retford Park Bowral - National Trust

Retford Park Bowral - National Trust

1325 Old South Road, Bowral, New South Wales 2576 , Australia

About

Retford Park, gifted by James Fairfax AC to the National Trust of Australia for all to enjoy the grand Victorian Italianate homestead and delightful gardens. A delight to visit with open gardens, house tours and special events all year round.

In 2016 Retford Park was gifted by James Fairfax AC to the National Trust of Australia for all to enjoy the grand Victorian Italianate homestead and delightful dog-friendly gardens. This spectacular property is a delight to visit with open gardens, house tours and special events running all year round.

Retford Park is a wonderful place to spend time. As you venture up the driveway, the stunning
grand Victorian Italianate homestead appears from a towering arboretum of a magnificent
collection of evergreen and deciduous trees, some very rare and unique. A patchwork of hedged gardens showcases everything from a detailed knot garden to an exquisite swimming pool and pavilion, as well as sculptures that demand centre stage. Bring the family and your pooch for a picnic in beautiful surrounds.

A self-led art and nature trail is available for children and families to help discover highlights of
the beautiful gardens, developed especially for Retford Park by Southern Tablelands Arts.

Ngununggula, the first regional art gallery in the Southern Highlands, opened at Retford Park in October 2021 and is a state-of-the-art addition that is open daily to the public and Hearth by Moonacres café is open Monday – Sunday.

 

Visit Retford Park

Retford Park is a heritage must-see in the Southern Highlands. Retford Park Gardens are open Friday - Monday every week, and house access is available by guided tour only on Saturdays and Sundays. Be sure to keep up to date with Retford Park’s fantastic range of events on offer throughout the year including workshops, exhibitions, open days and more.

Book your ticket to Retford Park now or find out more through the National Trust NSW website.

 

Open Garden entry fees: 
Adults - $17
Concession and children - $15
National Trust members - Free
Family - $49

House tour & garden entry fees:
Adult - $35
Concession (including children) - $25
National Trust members - free

 

History

James Fairfax AC always believed that Retford Park should be preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations, particularly those of the local district. In fulfilment of his ambition, Mr Fairfax gifted his historic Retford Park home to the National Trust of Australia (NSW) in 2016.

Retford Park is a place of great heritage significance; its European history extends back to grants of land promised to Edward Riley senior by Governor Macquarie in 1821. The house was built in 1887 by Samuel Hordern (1849-1909) merchant and stockbreeder, and his wife Jane nee Booth. The house at Retford Park (designed by Albert Bond) is set on a low rise, a grand rendered brick Italianate style residence. It was in 1964 that James Fairfax bought the property and started to turn it from an agricultural property to a gentleman’s residence.

Having been in the caring hands of Mr Fairfax for over 50 years, the garden is a delight to wander through. As you venture up the driveway, the grand Victorian Italianate homestead appears from a towering arboretum of a magnificent collection of evergreen and deciduous trees, some very rare and unique. Surrounding the eastern side of the homestead is a patchwork of hedged gardens showcasing everything from a detailed knot garden, exquisite swimming pool and pavilion, sculptures demanding centre stage.

Additional information

Location

1325 Old South Road, Bowral, New South Wales 2576 , Australia
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