When the NSW governor opened grand council chambers in the Southern Highlands in 1891, he said he was glad to leave the "labours" of the city behind for the rolling countryside.
More than 130 years later Lord Jersey's words ring true inside the walls of the former Moss Vale council building, which is now a sumptuous boutique hotel.
The transformation of Moss Manor was awarded the top prize at the Australian Institute of Architects' NSW country division awards on Friday night, praised for its preservation and reinterpretation of history.
What was once a mayor's living area, caretaker's quarters and a council meeting room is now eight guest suites, with a glass and steel dining pavilion overlooking towering trees and manicured gardens.
The project by Luke Moloney Architecture took out the Regional Division Medal, as well as the commercial and heritage categories.
"Externally the contrasting layers of history are seen literally in shades of black and white," the institute's judges said.
"Significant work was needed to meet building code requirements; this work has been completed seamlessly and beautifully."
The Artie Smith cricket oval and sports ground in Bomaderry, on the south coast, won the public architecture and vision awards for its connection to country, with modern curves that wrap around blue gums.
LocalArchitect South Coast and Barnacle studio designed the pavilion to reflect its community value and potential for state-level sport events.
"This building is one that the whole community can own and interact with, it feels inviting and a place that will hold important life moments for the community for years to come," the judges said.
Sprawling country houses, a high school, a winery, a PCYC and a theatre all featured in the awards.
A modern sustainable home built around a native garden took out two awards, including the residential architecture for new houses.
Dachshund House, outside Tamworth, was praised as an antidote to "brick and gable roofs" seen in typical project homes.
"A brave client and a confident architect have set out to challenge these norms and done it so successfully," the judges said.
"Proving that architecture is affordable and can be for the everyday Australian, architects Maxwell and Page have designed a compact, robust and delightful home for a young family."
An open and airy wood-panelled house in Coffs Harbour won the Timber category, with Walknorth Architects re-imagining an entire home as a private garden.
The awards have been recognising architects working outside Sydney and Newcastle since 1960.
