Established in 1961, the Women’s Committee is an important advocacy group raising critical funds for the National Trust (NSW). For over six decades, committee members have been organising exclusive heritage events, including their highly anticipated ‘Looking at Architecture’ tours. Unlocking private, historically significant homes and gardens for members and supporters of the National Trust, the tours enable unique, first-hand access to heritage places across the state.

This spring, the ‘Looking at Architecture’ program ‘ returns to the Lower Blue Mountains for the first time in 20 years. Situated on the traditional lands of the Dharug and Gundungurra People, the Blue Mountains features historically significant properties threaded through stunning forests of eucalyptus along a sandstone plateau on the Great Dividing Range.

Step inside a curated selection of properties, wander through sensational spring gardens and enjoy special hospitality events on this self-drive weekend from 25-27 September 2026.

Here we reveal some of the architecture and garden highlights you can expect on the upcoming tour.

A refined eco house

Showcasing the natural beauty of the Blue Mountains through soaring floor to ceiling windows, the award-winning home of architects Ken Yea and Carol Marra is being opened especially for the ‘Looking At Architecture’ tour. Constructed from corrugated iron and glass, this contemporary, energy-efficient house combines elegance with resilience, seamlessly connecting with the surrounding environment. Recently featured in The New York Times and a winner in last year’s National Architecture Awards, this thoughtfully designed place also features a rare hanging swamp.

A secret garden

Located on the site of a federation stone bungalow built by Sir James Martin, a former Premier of NSW and a close friend of Sir Henry Parkes, the six-acre garden of heritage property Banool is a must-see for horticulture lovers. Created and nurtured over the past three decades, the garden is marked by structured hedges, formal rooms and an intriguing collection of drought tolerant, sculptural succulents.

An artist’s residence

Perched on a ridge above Sassafras Gully, Hillston is the home of noted contemporary artists Leo Robba and Adrienne Richardson. Built in the 1890s, the property’s sandstone cottage has been sympathetically restored and is surrounded by sweeping lawns and the ever-changing colours of established gardens, which figure as the subject of Robba’s vibrant landscape works. Guests can also view Robba’s studio, gaining a fascinating glimpse into the working life of this respected artist.

A whimsical retreat

Designed by artist Norman Lindsay’s daughter, Jane Lindsay, for her mother, celebrated printmaker, Rose Lindsay, this charming cottage crafted from sandstone and rough-hewn western red cedar once formed part of the original Normal Lindsay Estate. Set amongst pretty gardens laced with meandering stone pathways and edged with native violets, everlasting daises and lillypillies, the property also features the swings from the whimsical fairy scene in Sirens – the film inspired by the life of Norman Lindsay.

Plus, more inspiring places to explore…

Delight in a visit to a whimsical cottage-style garden created by a creative couple in the film industry and view a California-style Mediterranean garden built to withstand drought.

Book your tickets

Find out further information and book tickets to the ‘Looking at Architecture’ tour.