Berrima: Why visiting this Southern Highlands village is like time-travelling to the Georgian era

The picturesque little town of Berrima just north of the Wingecarribee River is arguably the best-preserved example of a Georgian village on the Australian mainland.

The heritage buildings date back to the 1800s and happily are still in use today, some now private homes and others trading as an arts school, pubs and restaurants.

A great example of the latter is the hatted restaurant Eschalot, housed in what was once known as Old Breen’s Inn, a sandstone beauty with shuttered french windows and a stone-flagged timber verandah.

History and haute cuisine

“It’s a beautiful heritage building,” says maitre d’ Cass Wallace, who took ownership of the restaurant with partner and head chef Matt Roberts last year. The couple had been searching for an eatery where a kitchen garden could thrive and were delighted when Eschalot came to market.

“There was a garden in place, but not a lot of order,” Wallace says. “We had to strip it back and start again but it’s been a lovely process.”

Working with the seasons, the couple is now looking at what to plant for a spring harvest and they thoroughly enjoy not only communing with nature, but communing with the locals who stop for a chat.

“We spend a lot of time in the garden and we’ve had so many different people who come up and have a chat,” Wallace says. “People are so happy to approach us and talk about the garden and what’s going on in the restaurant. We find in Berrima that people let their guard down, they’re more relaxed in this beautiful environment.”

Wallace says residents support local businesses and the small population has a strong community spirit, a sentiment echoed by  Campbell Jones Property Bowral principal Angus Campbell-Jones.

Village vibe

“It’s one of those places where there’s a true village atmosphere,” says Campbell-Jones. “By virtue of its size, you can’t help but know your neighbours and there’s a real sense of community. When it’s not the weekend and full of tourists, the population isn’t huge and it’s quite easy to get to know people.”

Campbell-Jones says calendar highlights include the monthly markets at the public school and the local Australia Day celebrations.

While still a favourite with retirees, Berrima is increasingly popular with young families, a trend welcomed by Wallace who has a 20 month-old daughter.

“A lot of young families say, ‘Why am I doing the daily grind in Sydney when I could live here?’ The demographics are changing,” she says.

Top home in the area

Neighbouring Bendooley Estate, home to the Berkelouw Book Barn, Trelawney is a gorgeous country house set on 40 hectares of grazing land.

Hydronic heating and a huge stone fireplace make for cosy winters and there’s a north-facing terrace perfect for summer soirees.

The listing is with Campbell Jones Property Bowral and has a $4.5 million price guide.