My interim destination has been "Experimental Farm Cottage" which stands on the site of the first
land grant in Australia, made in 1789 by Governor Phillip to the former convict James Ruse. By 1791
Ruse had successfully farmed the 30 acre site as an experiment in self-sufficiency, proving that a
new settler could feed and shelter his family with relatively little assistance to get started.

The Indian-style bungalow there today was built by Surgeon John Harris, who purchased the land from
Ruse in 1793 for £40. It is thought to have been completed by 1835. It is one of Australia’s oldest
standing properties and features in an 1837 sketch and subsequent watercolour by Conrad Martens.

The house is furnished to reflect the home of Surgeon Harris, with simple but elegant pieces from
National Trust’s collection of early colonial furniture, the largest of its kind in Australia. In
the year 2000, the National Trust landscaped and planted the immediate grounds, using evidence from
early paintings, plant catalogues and photographs to recreate, as far as possible, an authentic
setting for the cottage. Unfortnately the building is closed for further restoration and so I am not
able to go inside on this occasion.