After three years of research, the author and conservation architect has compiled the first comprehensive history of Saint Clair villa.

Moruya-based Mr Freeman OAM, who also worked on Saint Clair's conservation management plan, launched the book at Goulburn Library on Wednesday before some 30 people.

The 190-page work, titled St Clair Villa: 175 Years of Goulburn History, was something of a labour of love for the architect of more than 50 years, who has worked on numerous local heritage conservation projects.

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When he started on the villa's conservation plan in 2016 with architect Tricia Helyar, the stories behind the building were hard to ignore.

"It was always about trying to get an incisive view of what happened," Mr Freeman said.

Talking to descendants of those who operated and lived at the house was crucial. Central Coast-based Rona Parker, for example, is the great granddaughter of Kate Pursehouse who ran a boarding house at Saint Clair from 1945 to 1969.

When Kate was widowed in 1959, Rona and sister Kay came to live in the former coach house at the rear with parents Ron and Irene, who continued the boarding house's management. At this stage, as Freeman writes, the accommodation was mainly self-contained flatettes with bathroom facilities.

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"An abiding memory is that lunch was 12 noon on the dot in the kitchen," Mrs Parker said.

"At that time the kitchen was on the other side of the courtyard and it was always a happy, busy place with a wide variety of people staying there."

Mrs Parker attended the book launch with cousin Robin McGuinness (nee McDonell). Their fathers both lived at Saint Clair.

Mr Freeman said the villa and its outbuildings were a "very special place."

"The fact that it remains intact is a very significant achievement for Goulburn and surrounds. If you look around at what is happening to heritage in Australia, you have to feel blessed that Saint Clair is still here."

He studied the home's various eras, beginning with its design and construction by Scot James Sinclair. The architect also designed other Goulburn buildings, including the first jail, the Argyle Flour Mill and completed work on St Andrew's kirk on the corner of Sloane and Craig Streets. Mr Freeman said he was very much under-rated for the buildings he produced.

He argued Saint Clair's name changes over the years reflected its altered function, from Sloane Street's gentrification to a traveller's route.

When businessman and auctioneer Josdeph Bull sold the residence in 1876, the Goulburn Herald advertisement described it as "without exception the most commodious, elegant and substantial building in the city of Goulburn. As a family residence it stands as second to none."

Times and uses changed and in 1970, Goulburn City Council purchased the building. The Goulburn and District Historical Society took up residence, filling it with archives and displays.

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After Goulburn Mulwaree Council assumed management in 2015, more than $1 million has been allocated to its conservation.

The villa is closed while the work is underway and the Society is operating from temporary premises next door.

The council's marketing, events and culture manager Sarah Ruberto said while there was no firm date for the Society's shift move back into St Clair, it would be greatly improved when they did.

Mayor Bob Kirk also attended the book launch and told the gathering he was on the Saint Clair working party when Mr Freeman and Tricia Helyar first started talking about its conservation.

"There weren't necessarily the will or resources for council to do it but we're very fortunate it was all turned around," he said.

The council and the Royal Australian Historical Society have funded the book. Copies are vailable for $49.95 from the Goulburn Library, Visitors Centre and Goulburn and District Historical and Genealogical Society's research centre in Sloane Street, next to Saint Clair.

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