External Restoration

The external restoration works outlined in the Plan of Management for Bella Vista Farm Park have now been completed. Several buildings underwent a revamp including: the homestead, the shop, the kitchen block, stables, barn, packing shed, the historic front garden, painting works and decking over remnant wells in the courtyard.

Bella Vista Farm homestead back view with courtyard decking over wells 2009

The combination of these projects has rejuvenated the site allowing people of all ages to take a step back in time and appreciate the site’s history. The renewal of this historic site would not have been possible without funding from the Federal Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure grants program, the NSW Department of Planning’s Metropolitan Greenspace Funding, and the Department of Planning’s NSW Heritage Grants Program. In total $786,600 has been spent since July 2008. The philosophy for the restoration project was to retain, conserve and repair as much as possible, removing or replacing only what was absolutely necessary. All restoration work was done in accordance with the heritage conservation principles outlined in the Australia ICOMOS Burra charter.

The Homestead

Work on the Homestead included: patching and rendering of external walls; engineering assessment of second floor sub structure identifying substantial white ant damage (subject to future restorations works); replacement of damaged floor boards; and reinstatement of windows including sashes and damaged glass panels using period authentic glass.

Bella Vista Farm shop building 2009

Shop

The works on the shop involved securing the foundations before a new floor was laid. Windows and doors were reinstated and the exterior painted in accordance with the conservationist’s recommendations.

The Trade Skills Program

The aim of this program was to introduce young trade apprentices to traditional methods of construction. The apprentices were involved in the preparation of the property as a building site, the lifting of the ground floor boards, strengthening of the sub floor and foundations and removal of skirting boards in preparation for works by contractors. Later programs assisted with the reinstatement of shutters, windows and doors under the guidance of master craftsmen.

Bella Vista Farm kitchen block 2009	Bella Vista Farm packing shed 2009
Bella Vista Farm barn floor 2009	Bella Vista Farm stable floor 2009
Bella Vista Farm stable roof interior 2009	Trade skills apprentices working on sub floor to main Bella Vista Farm homestead 2009