Conservation works at Rouse Hill Estate

After detailed condition inspections of the state heritage–listed Rouse Hill Estate, MHNSW’s Capital Works and Heritage teams have begun a large-scale conservation project that will sensitively address a range of identified issues.

The project illustrates our commitment to thoughtful and appropriate conservation of the historic sites we manage and care for. It is supported by a multidisciplinary team of expert MHNSW staff, including members of the Collections Care team, and external heritage specialists and consultants, as well as hydraulic and structural engineers.

The main parts of the site that will undergo conservation work are the exterior shell of Rouse Hill House and its service wing. The works include the replacement of failed roof slates, iron roof sheets and lead flashings as well as deteriorated gutters and downpipes; the repair of damaged underground site drainage; and repairs to the underground cistern that supplied the house with water until town water was connected in 2017. Repairs to timber elements include targeted window joinery, shutters, verandah support beams and doors. Stone conservation will involve desalination, repointing, crack infill, and repaving flagstones. The project also includes similar works on the stables.

The works start in October 2024 and are scheduled for completion in May 2025. Some parts of the main house and stables will be publicly inaccessible during this time.