Fernhill Estate

Fernhill Estate is one of Australia’s most unique and historic properties. It is set on nearly 643 hectares of rolling parkland in Mulgoa Valley, at the foot of the Blue Mountains.

The property is located on one of the first land grants in the area, issued in 1810 by Governor Macquarie to Colonial Magistrate William Cox. In the pioneering years of early Australia, the Cox family had a major influence over the settlement and development of western Sydney, including construction of the access road to the Blue Mountains. The heritage listed sandstone mansion is built from stone quarried from the property by convicts and constructed by 20 Irish stonemasons brought out under the “bounty system” of immigration.

Fernhill has a strong equestrian history, having produced winners of the Melbourne Cup in both 1877 (Chester) and 1880 (Grand Flaneur). The racecourse on the property is a 2400m track that forms an important part of the Fernhill character.

The property and its conservation master plan for this historic estate has been intricately placed together to conserve the existing with a combination of new residential subdivision, Biobanking a significant land area and working closely with the working heritage model for its future.