When the Hume Highway bypassed Berrima some were worried the village might not survive. In fact it did more than just survive. Berrima blossomed and is now a thriving village community and the perfect place to consider buying property.
Like many of the towns dotted across the rolling landscape of the Southern Highlands, Berrima offers a delightful selection of quaint village cottages and sprawling country estates, that will appeal to buyers looking to downsize in a rural idyll and those looking to spread out on some acreage (take a look at ‘Round Hill’ and ‘Boomerang’).
But Berrima also has some impressive claims to fame that add to its charm. It is the best preserved example of a Georgian village on the Australian mainland and is home to the Surveyor General Pub, Australia’s oldest continually licensed Inn.
Perhaps on a more practical day-to-day level, the village is scattered with a selection of top quality cafes, restaurants and galleries that cater to the locals and tourists alike.
The very dynamic Berrima Public School, complete with Stephanie Alexander kitchen garden, is attractive for young families. With Berrima Buslines also providing a regular service to the secondary schools in Bowral.
It is important for property seekers to know the historic façade of Berrima also hides a wonderful variety of properties, with modern new builds and stylish renovated homes spread throughout the quiet back streets of the village.
For potential buyers with a tight budget the area known as New Berrima, which is located on the Southern boundary of the village, is a great entry level option with its own general store serving the community (and regularly boasting the cheapest fuel in the Highlands!).
It would be remiss of me not to address the elephant in the room that has cast something of a shadow over the village of Berrima throughout 2016 ,which is a proposed nearby underground coal mine project. For information on both sides of the debate over the mining project visit: www.battleforberrima.com.au and www.humecoal.com.au
The village is waging a determined fight against the proposal which is a reflection of the depth of camaraderie, support and spirit that exists within the community.