Bella Vista Farm Celebrates National Trust Heritage Festival

By Gisela Horner | Volunteer Publicity Officer Bella Vista Farm

Sunday 1st May 2022 is an auspicious day for Bella Vista Farm. Not only is it Open Day, but Heritage Open Day.

Along with the National Trust’s Festival theme ‘Curiosity’, we celebrate the farm’s history with the theme ‘Curiouser and Curiouser’. There is a lot of history here to discover and it’s a wonderland in itself!

In 1842, when William Thomas Pearce purchased around 200 hectares from Isabella Acres, Bella Vista Farm’s construction began. Today, we see the well-preserved building standing proudly overlooking Seven Hills and far beyond. Even though there are bustling suburbs now surrounding the property, the farmhouse still maintains its grace and historical identity.

Meet our volunteers dressed in heritage costumes; take an informative tour through the house and outbuildings and hear about the early settlers; enjoy the famous Devonshire Teas in a peaceful garden setting and be entertained by serene music performed by members of the Hills Shire Symphony Orchestra and Hills Harmony Chorus.

The Trash and Treasure Stall has become a huge drawcard at the farm, all sorts of goodies to discover. Meet the alpacas and our sheep – see their wool being spun. There are displays of beautiful linen, lace and chinaware in the house. Children are not forgotten with lots of fun and games, some dating back to the 19th century.

There is so much to see and enjoy, we know you will have a fascinating day and come away with more knowledge about the early days of Australian farm life. Free Parking is provided.

When: Sunday, 1st May – 0900 – 1500.
Where: Corner of Norwest Boulevard and Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista.

If you can’t make our next Open Day, our farmhouse is open the first Sunday of each month from 0900 – 1400. Check on the Hills Shire Council website for more details – www.thehills.nsw.gov.au