Grandly overlooking the lands below, Catherine Park House is the epicentre of the new Catherine Park Estate.
After varying extensions and additions by previous owners, a culturally and historically sensitive restoration of Catherine Park House was undertaken in 2012 when Lady Mary Fairfax purchased the land on which Catherine Park Estate is now being established. Lady Fairfax’s commitment to the caring restoration of the home epitomises an empathetic relationship to its historical importance.
The restoration of this stylish manor home has taken many turns over its long history. Most recently, the façade of the grand manor house has been freshened up with paint, a new balustrade and new finishes that abide by its historical integrity. The driveway and carriage loop have been topped with fresh gravel to enhance aesthetics and access, and special attention has been invested into the installation of a new water feature that greets people as they come up the extended driveway.
The interior transformation is breath-taking. The beautiful parquetry floor has been lovingly restored and polished following years of foot traffic, with new carpet upstairs. The floor plan has been revised to make for a more logical flow, and the mismatched colour palette has been painted over in a spectrum of neutral sophisticated hues. Beautiful new furniture comprising a mix of period and modern pieces creates a balance between the old and the new, with functionality and beauty equally present in each piece.
From an old home that was forgotten and unloved, Catherine Park House is now a proud manor that stands to tell the stories of the Macarthur region’s rich past. New life has been breathed into it, and it now serves as the Sales & Information Centre for Catherine Park Estate. This allows people to admire it every day, giving locals the opportunity to experience the beautiful ambiance for themselves.
Maintaining history is vital to the preservation of our cultural evolution, and Catherine Park House has played a key role in the growth of the Camden region’s character. This home has helped to colour the development and identity of our area with over 150 years of highly culturally significant history having taken place in the House and on the estate lands.
View the before and after images of the Catherine Park House restoration.