The Beauty of Old Stonework
There is something irresistible about a cottage made from irregular stone bricks cut by hand, back in the 1800s when when life was simpler, but also tougher. To build a home from stone was a labour intensive process, and with some restoration along the way, these are now valuable heritage buildings.
Typically, stone was quarried locally, and it’s beautiful to see the variations in stonework that historically represent different parts of Australia. Golden sandstone hewn by convicts in New South Wales and Tasmania (known then as Yellow Block) with their unique pick marks; the dark charcoal-coloured bluestone of Victorian miner’s cottages and homesteads; in South Australia, pretty limestone worker’s cottages with detailed brick quoins, and pale limestone in historic Fremantle in Western Australia.
Given the cost and care involved in restoring historic stone properties, to stay in one is a special privilege. Below are a few stunning examples to discover - book in advance over Spring/Summer and look forward to a very special stay.
Fairlight Maison, Fairlight, Sydney NSW
An original worker’s cottage built in the 1860s from convict-cut sandstone, heritage-listed Fairlight Maison has been carefully restored, featuring internal stonework throughout, curated vintage pieces, luxury finishes and a private plunge pool for the ultimate city escape.
Terrara House, Terara, South Coast NSW
A stunning country property, Terrara House was built for the Mackenzie family between 1901 - 1904, with sandstone sent down the Shoalhaven River on barges. It was not open to the public until recently, following a complete restoration by its new owners. Suited to larger groups and families, stay in the main house, or The Stables - once home to four Melbourne Cup winners, now converted into beautiful self-contained accommodation. Enjoy over 17 acres of heritage gardens, swimming pool, championship tennis court, and on-site spa and salon.
Simpson Cottage, Bundeena, Sydney NSW
Set high overlooking Simpsons Bay, Simpson Cottage is heritage-listed 3 bedroom, sandstone cottage built in the 1870s, the original home of the Simpson family, one of the first settlers south of the Hacking River. The cottage features many period details - the original sitting room and fireplace, french doors, lacework and convict-cut sandstone exterior. A special, private retreat just an hour from Sydney’s CBD, unwind sitting on the verandah watching the sunset over the bay.
No. 1 William Street, Port Fairy VIC
A charming historic fishing village dating to the 1830s, Port Fairy has many examples of 1800s architecture, with over 50 buildings listed with the National Trust. One of these is No. 1 William Street, located in Port Fairy’s historic precinct. Built in 1856 by stonemason Benjamin Bowyer, it has been restored with care to retain its period features, including cozy sitting room with original fireplace and 1880s kitchen. Wake to the magpies warbling in the Norfolk pines or listen to the waves crashing on South Beach from the private sheltered garden.
