The Southern Highlands: The NSW tree-change haven shedding its sleepy reputation

Ahh, the sleepy Southern Highlands. Where statement knitwear counts as high fashion and north shore Range Rovers get their first lick of country dirt.

That’s the stereotype. While artisan woollens are readily available in Moss Vale and Bowral boutiques, there’s a whole lot more to love about the Southern Highlands today.

Matthew Anstee, principal of Raine & Horne Southern Highlands, says Mittagong has become a vibrant foodie hub.

“There’s Fire Drum Restaurant, the Shaggy Cow, Esco Pazzo,” Anstee says. “Having all these new restaurants has really changed the whole dynamic of Mittagong.”

Down the road, Moss Vale has reinvented itself as a destination for rustic homewares (Rabbit Trap Timber) and high-end furnishings (Suzie Anderson Home).

“In the past, the main street would have been dead on weekends. Now it’s a hive of people looking for homewares.”

Dirty Jane’s Emporium in Bowral still offers a cornucopia of antiques and bric-a-brac. In the same block, the Press Shop, a buzzy cafe specialising in stationery and sweet treats, was an instant hit.

Anstee estimates 75 per cent of his buyers are Sydneysiders looking for more bang for their real estate buck.

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Eastern suburbs and north shore house-hunters follow a well-worn path to Bowral and Burradoo. In other areas, the agent has witnessed changes recently. Mittagong is attracting more interest from western suburbs residents, while Hills District dwellers, frustrated by subdivisions robbing their suburbs of rural spirit, are staking out Exeter and Sutton Forest acreages.

“And it’s all just an hour and a half from Sydney.”

The Southern Highlands region has a clearance rate of 69.2%. The median price for houses $856,000, with the median price for units at $520,000.

For those house hunting in the Paris end of the Southern Highlands, Hampton House in Burradoo offers seclusion and style,.

The main house has four bedrooms, the main with en suite, plus three living areas, a French provincial-style kitchen and north-facing verandahs on both levels.

There’s a separate guest house and landscaping by Peter Fudge. Furniture can be included in the sale.

Raine & Horne Southern Highlands expects the listing to sell for between $1,495,000 and $1,595,000.

If trendy Bowral holds more appeal, there’s 8 Park Road, refurbished cottage on a 966-square-metre block combines period features with modern conveniences.

The floors are original timber and engineered oak. In the kitchen, find walnut benchtops, an oversized oven, Miele dishwasher and ample storage. An alfresco area overlooks the spacious, level garden.

Di Jones Real Estate Southern Highlands is selling  for $1.1 million to $1.2 million.