Berrima: The perfect blend of old and new in the Southern Highlands

A time-honoured treasure of the Southern Highlands, Berrima is one of Australia’s best-preserved villages from the 1830s, strutting natural beauty, historic architecture, and a palpable collective spirit.

Here, the city hustle is replaced by the quietude of country living, refined by bespoke boutiques, artisanal eateries, and lush vineyards that put a pep in its step.

A paradise of possibilities

Samuel Lindsay, principal at Drew Lindsay Sotheby’s International Realty, paints a picture of Berrima’s residents – from families and couples seeking serenity to investors hunting for the perfect weekender.

“The village welcomes everyone, from foodies and musicians to history buffs and equestrian fans, each finding their niche in Berrima,” says Lindsay. “Here, the dream of owning a quaint cottage, with its rich heritage waiting to be restored, becomes a tangible reality, and the same goes for aspirations of owning a sprawling acreage.”

Lindsay points out Berrima’s rolling hillsides, home to some of the Southern Highland’s most beautiful estates, with grand historic homes, expansive green landscapes, and garden wonderlands.

“These properties offer endless possibilities, whether it’s adding a guest house, creative studios, or leisure facilities like swimming pools or tennis courts,” observes Lindsay. “They are often tightly held and are now spending fewer days on the market.”

A blend of old and new

The story of Berrima is further enriched by Jemima Fairbanks and Sophie Jenkins, whose newly launched interior design practice, Fairbanks & Jenkins, contributes to the village’s ever-evolving character.

“We’re witnessing Berrima undergo a transformation and are thrilled to be part of this new chapter, embracing its rich past while contributing to its evolution,” says Fairbanks. “Our store aims to be a haven for home owners looking to enhance their homes, with an evolving collection of bespoke items and carefully selected antiques, each chosen with passion and a bit of an obsession.”

Fairbanks is settling into her home, Mountside Berrima, with her family. Sharing the construction and curation of this journey on Instagram, F&J’s exquisite taste is already apparent, from an antique marble fireplace to elegant Murano lights. It’s easy to imagine a blissful family life here, something Berrima naturally nurtures.

“Both Sophie and I are parents to young children who attend Tudor House school, and bringing them up in this setting, where they can experience nature firsthand – from collecting eggs from the chickens to picking fresh produce for dinner – is deeply fulfilling,” Fairbanks says. “It fosters a childhood of exploration and curiosity, exactly as it should be.”

For sale in Berrima

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Berrima NSW 2577

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On the outskirts of Berrima’s historic heart, Kywarra covers more than 6.4 hectares, revealing a New-England-style home, radiating light and luxury, accompanied by a self-contained cottage, a tennis court, and equestrian amenities for horse lovers.