Challenge

Whitburgh Cottage was erected in 1853 and is one of the oldest surviving structures in Kilmore, epitomising early cottage design.

Constructed of locally sourced basalt with minimal footings, walls were moving and in some cases collapsing. The Mitchell Shire committed to refurbishing the main cottage and original out-building for future generations.

As with most heritage projects, the main challenges involved working with traditional processes and materials, while meeting today’s building codes.

Solution

The team had to pull down external bluestone walls and chimneys, re-roof the main building with imported slate and re-construct internal bluestone rubble walls.

We installed a new sub-floor and recycled Baltic pine flooring, finished with tongue oil—as was the standard application when it was built.

White set walls, horsehair plaster ceilings, all carpentry items, painting, and new fencing completed the look.