 In 1981 the property was transferred to the NSW Historic Houses Trust, who commenced work on a long-term conservation plan for the grounds.This was based on a study of the site's history, contemporary documentation such as paintings, sketches, family papers, photographs, and research on 19th century garden practises in Australia.Today, Vaucluse House is one of the few 19th century houses on Sydney Harbour retaining a significant part of its original setting.