After a hiatus of six-months closure to the public due to COVID-19 pandemic safety issues, the Retford Park reopened last weekend on September 5 and 6 between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Garden visits as well as tours of the inside of the house and its celebrated art collection were facilitated under strict protocols established through all reopening National Trust (NSW) properties.
Ann Frederick, property manager for the house and gardens told Southern Highland News "The National Trust announced in March that it was closing its properties for public access through the global health crisis."
"Initially this was predicted to last until June 30," she said.
"As we know, it's gone on longer, but this perfect first weekend in Spring coincided with a carefully planned reopening, which included several other heritage properties owned by the National Trust of NSW."
READ MORE:
First visitors in the door were a couple from Wombarra NSW, just north of Wollongong, Christopher and Dianne Cook, National Trust members.
They were greeted at the door by Margaret Murray, one of the many Retford Park volunteers, and inside by another long-standing volunteer, Fran Turland.
They checked them in under the required COVID Safe provisions established by the NSW government and applied at Retford Park.
"Masks are required inside the main house during tours but are optional in the reception shop and in the grounds," added Ann Frederick.
"Naturally social distancing and use of sanitiser on entry are required and signage is extensive to remind all visitors of their important role in keeping this venue open."
While the public has been unable to visit, head gardener Rick Shepherd and his team have kept up maintenance, replanting and adding some new elements during the autumn and winter.
Saturday opened on the brightest of blue Spring days where the temperature rose to a comfortable 18 degrees with a moderate breeze, perfect for a walk in the extensive grounds and gardens.
Retford Park will next open over the October long weekend (October 3, 4 and5) from 10.00am and again on October 31/Nov.1.
It will also be part of the Southern Highlands Arts Trail with Artists in the Round Yard will be exhibiting on the weekends of November 7 and 8 and 14 and 15.
With spring buds bursting everywhere and the warming weather just around the corner, going online and making a timed entry booking on the National Trust website will ensure you don't miss out in future months.
For the initial weekend house visits were sold out quickly and only a few spots remained for the gardens alone.
A variety of individual, family and concession packages can be selected. More details at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/places/retford-park/
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
