King Charles charity moves into former governors’ retreat
The King’s Foundation Australia is planning to turn a former NSW governors’ residence in the Southern Highlands into its Australian headquarters and a heritage education centre.
The foundation has secured a long-term lease for the 60 hectares Hillview Estate at Sutton Forest, near Moss Vale.
The state government is the landlord.
The 1870s residence has 38 habitable rooms, including 27 bedrooms, and is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Lease assignment
The NSW Government acquired Hillview in the early 1880s as a country residence for governors, who used it between 1882-1957.
It was sold in 1958 to builder Edwin Klein for a reported £35,000.
Mr Klein gifted it back to the state in 1985 – retaining the right to live there for the remainder of his life. He died in 1990.
In 2010, a 40-year lease was granted to Damien Miller (continues below).
The Foundation is paying an undisclosed price to Mr Miller for the assignment, first mooted in 2024.
Restoration plan
The foundation plans to restore the residence, gardens and grounds, establishing a base for traditional building and craft workshops, education programs, guided tours and community events.
Gardener Paul Bangay is involved in the restoration plans, which have been reviewed by King Charles III.
The project draws on the foundation’s work at Dumfries House in Scotland, another historic estate restored as an education and community centre.
The Hillview restoration is being targeted for completion by the King’s 80th birthday in November 2028.
The budget and public access arrangements haven’t been disclosed.
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