4 minute read
Discovering Fernhill's Past
OUR PLACE IN HISTORY
Fernhill Estate, Mulgoa
The iconic Fernhill Estate at Mulgoa, acquired by the NSW Government in 2018, has recently gained attention with the release of a new vision for its future. Its past though, is equally fascinating.
Situated on Dharug Country, close to Gundungurra Country at the base of the Blue Mountains, Fernhill Estate was built by Edward Cox in 1843. Cox was a Lieutenant in the NSW Corps and in 1814 supervised the construction of the first road over the Blue Mountains. He was awarded the first land grant in the Mulgoa Valley in 1810.
The grant was officially in the name of his son, also named Edward, who was only four years old at the time. Over time the Cox family acquired the neighbouring land on which the current Fernhill homestead is built.
A view from Fernhill in 2012
Photo by Vanessa Stockyard
The house was originally designed to be two storey; however, it seems the 1840s recession changed the plans. Made from Ashlar sandstone which was quarried on site the house was built by 20 stonemasons brought over from Ireland. The Greek Revival style of the house is thought to be the work of NSW Government architect, Mortimer Lewis. Edward Cox was a member of the Legislative Council and frequently entertained the Governor and other prominent citizens at the house.
Upon the death of Edward in 1863, the estate passed to his son, Edward King Cox of Mudgee, who turned the estate into a horse stud, producing several Melbourne Cup winners. The estate remained in the Cox family until 1896. It wasn’t until 1911 that the house once again became a home, tenanted by Richard Beindge Baynes, who served as the Mayor of Mulgoa from 1903-1912. During the 1930s a Mr and Mrs Moyse ran a guesthouse out of the homestead.
Fernhill as a guesthouse 1938
Photo donated by Pat Leich
By the 1950s however, the house and estate had become extremely rundown. Between 1955 and 1980 under the ownership of the Darlings, the house was restored. Renowned landscape architect, Paul Sorensen, did work for the Darlings in 1969 and it was at this time the swimming pool was added.
The house at Fernhill in disrepair in 1948
Photo from Penrith City Library Archives
Restoration underway at Fernhill 1970
Photo from Penrith City Library archives
Warren Anderson, a West Australian entrepreneur purchased the estate in 1980 and constructed several new buildings. Fernhill’s more recent history tells a sad tale with extensive fire damage in 2001.
In 2011, the estate came into the control of receivers. The estate’s last private owners, South African businessman Simon Tripp and his wife Brenda, had plans for an equestrian centre and reception venue. In 2015, Fernhill was the backdrop for the finale of TV's The Bachelor. However, by 2016 the Tripps' plans had been abandoned and were never fully realised.
An event at Fernhill in 2012
Photo by Alison Spencer
Fernhill's ballroom in 2012
Photo by Alison Spencer
The future looks much brighter for Fernhill Estate, now under the management of Greater Sydney Parklands. The NSW Government aims to return Fernhill to the public honouring its history and creating a place for everyone to enjoy. The plan includes a new play space, circuit walk, restored gardens, picnic amenities, barbecue areas, a 300m boardwalk around the dam, kayaking spots and much more. Plans for a new parkland on the site were released for public feedback in late 2021.
For more on the plans for Fernhill Estate visit westernsydneyparklands.com.au
