HISTORY
Hopewood was built in 1884 by Ben Marshall Osborne as his family home. His wife Lucy Osborne (nee Throsby) was a keen gardener and created the long driveway and circular carriageway. These formal gardens have been retained and are still an integral feature to the entrance of the historic home.
Part of the charm of the garden are the large trees, which predate the house. Old photographs show that many of the formal areas of the garden were laid out by the second owner Lebbeus Hordern who purchased the property in 1912.
Hordern’s creative and flamboyant influence brought new life to the garden, which was considered the showpiece of the highlands. Then it featured long brick parthways, a formal rose garden and sunken fernery garden. Many of these features were rediscovered during the recent extensive restoration of the garden.
The third owner, Samuel Sibley, planted thousands of trees and experimented with growing grasses for livestock. He sold the property in 1943 to L.O. Bailey. Bailey was the founder of the Youth Welfare Association of Australia and at Hopewood this foundation raised 86 orphaned children. Bailey converted the old stables into a building known as the Pavilion, which together with the main house were used to accommodate the children who called Hopewood their home.
1967 saw the property pass into the hands of an order of the Catholic Church and Hopewood was used as a monastery and retreat centre for youth. During this time the garden and house were open to the public and the Pavilion was used as a Retreat and Conference Centre.
HOPEWOOD GARDENS TODAY
During 2007/2008 the current owners have undertaken extensive restoration of the garden, working with the original structure, areas such as the Rose Garden, Rose Walk, Sunken Fernery and Aviary garden have been brought back to their former glory. The Kitchen & Mediterranean gardens have been re-established and these, combined with the park like nature of the rolling lawns, the vast range of mature trees make Hopewood one of the southern highlands most signifigant and beautiful gardens.