The majestic homestead perched on the hill at Harrington Park is currently undergoing some repair and conservation work.
The homestead began its life as a humble stone and clay brick cottage when it was built by Captain William Douglas Campbell in 1817. Over the years it passed through many different owners and has had various extensions, changes and uses before growing into its present form; an elegant Georgian style home with a Victorian veranda. Sir Warwick Fairfax bought the homestead in 1944 as a weekend retreat and it has remained with his wife Lady Fairfax since. Sir Warwick made extensive alterations to the homestead and he spent much time there with his family reading and writing. He wrote several plays, three of which were performed in Sydney, and he also wrote a philosophical book during this time.
"Although the homestead is currently covered in scaffolding the actual work being done is more like gentle repair, fixing joinery and some under pinning," says Lester Tropman, of Tropman & Tropman Architects, specialists in heritage conservation. "The work is being carefully undertaken to respect the home's Fairfax history; to repair it to good order so it can be used as a family home again."
The homestead is a significant piece of state history and we look forward to bringing you further updates about the repair of the homestead.