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Heritage Holiday with Mum

BY SALLY AND JESSIE BODOR, MOTHER AND DAUGHTER

For National Trust (NSW) Relationship Manager Jessie Bodor, Mother’s Day provides the perfect excuse to explore the heritage, culture and natural wonders of the State with her mum, Sally. In celebration of that special day in May, mother and daughter share their love of the richly diverse Southern Highlands — its historic villages, buildings and gardens, and the pleasure of discovering something new with every visit.

SALLY

My parents were long standing country members of the National Trust in Victoria and Trust publications were always sighted on the coffee table. My father, a forester and environmentalist, was instrumental in the preservation of historic trees, gardens and their surrounding environment. We often discussed natural conservation issues and those times contributed to my existing interest in antique objects, old buildings and early country towns. It was particularly pleasing to see Jessie’s eyes open to a world of the past when she was a child and for that interest to continue into adulthood.

Living and travelling in Europe, along with being involved in the antiquarian book world, augmented my understanding of history. I frequented busy London auction houses, which consolidated my appreciation for antique furniture, fine objects and paintings from around the world. Provenance was always key, offered intrigue and helped set the value of an item. My first questions were important to establish an item's history, its creators, past owners and uses. Those judgements I carry with me today, especially when exploring rooms in heritage places.

Seeking places of historical interest in the Southern Highlands is something Jess and I have particularly enjoyed over the years. Scenic roads winding through the hills promise adventures for the two of us. Dropping into little cafes, galleries or a National Trust property is always a highlight. Both Retford Park at Bowral and Harper’s Mansion at Berrima have lovely, old established gardens with considered plantings of trees, shrubs and borders. As a National Trust member, I can enjoy their delights at any time of the year. Approaching these buildings rewards us with an opportunity to travel back in time and stepping inside them permits us to enter the past. The mere opportunity for such a journey is a privilege I cherish.

I particularly enjoy the unchanged historic village of Berrima, with its quaint streets, old gaol, courthouse and former inns sitting alongside today’s galleries, shops and cafes. Golden sandstone buildings, weatherboard cottages and wooded laneways surround the Wingecarribee River. We discuss, occasionally dispute, yet always enjoy analysing the architectural features of the buildings we encountered and the preserved streetscapes.

Jess strides at a cracking pace, just like her grandfather, and though I scurry to keep up with her, we park at one end of Berrima specifically to walk through the village, past significant historic buildings and up the hill to Harper's Mansion. Surprisingly, her pace slows as we enter through the gate to be welcomed by the dreamy garden. As we approach the house, the anticipation of more delights invigorates discussion about the detailing and the Georgian windows. Every visit offers something new and adds to my appreciation of the role of the National Trust and all the work the volunteers do to keep these homes open to the public.

JESSIE

Mum and I are close and we have a shared sense of fun. Her love of architecture, gardens, art and collectibles has been the foundation block for my personal appreciation of history. She and my grandparents taught me the irreplaceable importance of heritage.

So it’s fitting that we’ve travelled together in Europe, spending days traipsing villages and cities, visiting fabulous old sites and museums. When I lived in the UK, I had a National Trust membership and working for the National Trust in NSW is like coming home. Back in Australia, we continue to wander together through old buildings, galleries and gardens, and we enjoy bantering about periods or styles, whether it’s fabrics, books or paintings.

Mum loves the Southern Highlands for its cool climate, its peaceful landscape and its picturesque towns. She always jumps at an excuse to head off on Saturday mornings to a market, nursery, gallery or garden. After taking in the monthly Exeter markets, we often wander across the road to St Aidan’s Anglican Church, which is an unusual style, built of local basalt and Bundanoon sandstone. The surrounding grounds include old oaks and elms and provide a peaceful escape from the bustling market.

As part of the 75th Anniversary celebrations for the National Trust, I’ll be heading down to Harper’s Mansion, Golden Vale and Retford Park. I have an affection for the Golden Vale house and garden, especially given that it is not open regularly. The sandstone homestead is in Sutton Forest, an early settlement town, and is surrounded by an English-style garden with a view of Mount Gingenbullen. I look forward to sharing this special place with mum.

Membership for Mum

This Mother's Day, give your mum a National Trust (NSW) membership and receive a free, limited edition 75th Anniversary Madura Tea Caddy. Further details on page 20 or visit our website nationaltrust.org.au/mem-gift

From top Sally & Jessie enjoying the detailing on the house at Retford Park; Sally & Jessie in the garden at Harper's Mansion (images by Sophie Hordern).