Conservation works begin at Harper’s Mansion

Situated high on a hill in Gundungurra and Tharawal Country, Harper’s Mansion features a beautiful Georgian-era house built in the 1830s with charming, landscaped gardens overlooking historic Berrima.

The main house was built by James and Mary Harper in 1834 using locally sourced red clay bricks and sandstone. Before building Harper’s Mansion, Mary and James built the Surveyor General Inn in Berrima, which is still open today and claims the title of Australia’s oldest continuously licensed inn.

In 1978, the property was passed on to the National Trust. It was carefully restored from a state of neglect and today stands as a fascinating window into the history of the Southern Highlands. Over time, works to maintain the house and garden have become pressing and in 2024 the National Trust launched an appeal for Harper’s Mansion.

Thanks to the remarkable support of donors, members and supporters, over $265,000 was raised. These essential funds have enabled critical work to preserve and protect this important heritage place.

Inside the house, historic furniture was carefully removed from the upper rooms to allow work to be carried out. Old paint was then scraped back and cracks filled, before walls and window frames were repainted by hand, reviving these heritage spaces.

The split timber treads and loose balusters of the original timber staircase have been repaired, ensuring the historic joinery is safe and secure for the thousands of visitors who climb it each year. Upstairs, meticulous re-stenciling delicately restored the elegant design and hues of original patterns.

Important electrical works have also been undertaken to remove redundant fittings and improve the lighting in the upstairs rooms. While conservation works have been in progress, National Trust volunteers have been cleaning and repairing all the soft furnishings in the house, including the bed hangings for the bed in the main bedroom.

Outside, the unique hedge maze has been a key focus, with hardy new matting laid for the pathways. Built in 1999 the hedge maze is one of the largest living mazes in Australia and the new all-weather tiles ensure this popular attraction can remain open all year.

The next stage of works will turn to the garden; with a new irrigation system and drainage planned for the two acres of cool-climate gardens. Bursting with perennials and a selection of heritage roses and camellias, the work will ensure that the landscaped grounds continue to draw admiration for years to come.