Bella Vista Farm Park

Bella Vista Farm Park

This intact historic farm complex is of cultural significance to our nation. Established in the late 1700s, the complex features a two-storey homestead, Bunya Pine lined driveway and various farm outbuildings set on a prominent hilltop. It provides a rare surviving link between the community today, the first European settlers and some of Australia's earliest rural development.

History of Bella Vista Farm Park

In 1799, Major Joseph Foveaux received 960 acres in the Crestwood area to which he added surrounding properties to create his “Stock Farm” of 1770 acres. The Stock Farm was the largest sheep property in the colony. He sold his farm with 1250 sheep on 5 October 1801 to John Macarthur for 2000 pounds. The farm was managed by John Hindle under the direction of Elizabeth Macarthur for the years John was away in England explaining his role in a fighting duel with Colonel Paterson, his commanding officer and again after the Rum Rebellion.

By 1821 the Macarthurs had exchanged their “Seven Hill Farm”, by then covering 2430 acres, with Crown land in Camden. The land was subsequently divided into lots and taken up by Messers McDougall, Acres, Robertson and Mrs Ward. The portion taken up by James Robertson became known as “Robertson’s Farm”.

In 1842 William Thomas Pearce purchased 500 acres from Isabella Acres who had acquired the property from Robertson in 1838. It was during this period that the construction of the building that finally became the homestead we see today commenced. The Pearce family had a long association with the farm until 1950 when the property was sold the North Sydney Tile and Brick Company.

Bella Vista Farm was transferred into Council ownership in 1998. Council has adopted a Conservation Management Plan for the site. Friends of Bella Vista Farm Park Committee Members work closely with Council to assist in the ongoing maintenance and interpretation of the site.

Bella Vista Farm Park is located on Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista.

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