The Allotment Cottage, 1900
History
The Allotment Cottage was built around the turn of the 20th century by Augustus Baesjou, son of Dr Joannes Baesjou, who served as Albany’s Government Medical Officer for many years. Augustus lived at the cottage until 1909; then in 1911, painter Ernest Theaker took ownership, living there until 1940. The home changed hands a few times after - during the 1960s, local Italian family the Tricholos called the cottage home, planting the now-enormous olive tree that stands in the corner of the courtyard.
Current host Louise also lived in the cottage with her family for 16 years, until it became guest accommodation in 2021. Despite adding a sympathetic modern extension to the rear, the cottage’s original features were carefully preserved, including wide jarrah floor boards, brick fireplaces, and mantlepieces in three of the front rooms. High ceilings, Oregon pine lining boards walls and ceilings, decorative dado panelling in hallway, and etched glass at the entry all add to the cottage’s enduring historic charm.
Salvaged materials were also used to reflect the home’s era. The front door was sourced from the early Albany Courthouse buildings, missing pickets from the front fence were found in the sheds of a historic property nearby, and the main bathroom was fitted with a pedestal basin and antique marble-topped wash stand. Louise’s great-grandmother's dressing table sits in the entry foyer, and beautiful vintage and antique furniture can be found throughout the cottage.
Accommodation
The Allotment Cottage sleeps up 8 guests, in two airy queen bedrooms with original fireplace surrounds and double hung sash windows. A third bedroom with two double bunks sleeps 4 - perfect for the kids, and also featuring an original fireplace and sash window, overlooking the front verandah. The bathroom has a deep free standing bath, locally-made soap, and complimentary Australian Al.ive hair and body products.
Follow the hallway that steps down into a light-filled, open plan living, kitchen and dining area. The living space has been designed with high vaulted ceilings and wooden beams. A cosy gas log fire is framed by bookcases crafted from salvaged Oregon pine, to echo the original house. Enjoy relaxing curled up on comfortable leather sofas in front of the fire with cups of tea and a good book…and in the evening, share a bottle of wine and play some card games.
The modern, fully-equipped kitchen has everything you need for cooking and entertaining - and with the Albany Farmers' Market on every Saturday just one block away, pick up lots of local produce and cook till your heart’s content! The pantry is stocked with olive oil, spices, spreads & sauces, and included in your stay is a generous range of local provisions, including Italian Biga bread, homemade muesli, fresh eggs from the chickens in the backyard, homemade jam, quince paste, and dried apple using fruit harvested from adjacent gardens. There’s also local Yard 86 milk, a bottle of Alkoomi wine from the Franklind River, and local Dellendale Camembert cheese and crackers.
The dining room is perfect for dinners with friends, with an extendable antique oak table seating 8, and an 1880s pitch pine sideboard. For casual meals in the sunshine, head outside to the gorgeous enclosed courtyard, with walls made from recycled red bricks and two chimneys saved from a nearby demolition. There’s a vintage cast aluminium garden setting, espaliered pear tree, lily pond, old olive tree, and views of the quaint chicken coop, with very friendly chickens!
With a focus on the little details that make a stay special, coupled with a slower pace of life in the heart of Old Albany, a stroll away from a coastline of azure blue seas and white sandy beaches - it’s no wonder the The Allotment Cottage receives consistent five star reviews, with many return guests.
“The cottage has the feeling of a much-loved home away from home. Beautifully furnished and has everything you could possibly need, with very comfortable beds. Lots of lovely touches, including a welcome hamper of local produce. The outdoor area gives you a view of the chickens...each morning we would turn into farmers by hand-feeding them and collecting eggs!”
Special Features
Courtyard Garden
Family Friendly Accommodation
Fully-Equipped Kitchen
Breakfast Provisions
Things To Do
The Allotment Cottage is situated on heritage-listed Cuthbert Street in the heart of Old Albany, the city’s heritage precinct, with many early 19th century buildings. Take a walk to admire the beautiful architecture, and visit Patrick Taylor Cottage at the end of the street, the oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia, built in 1832. Also nearby are the Albany Courthouse and Vancouver Art Centre, both designed by architect George Temple-Poole.
Albany has a rich and long history, dating to 1826. For more information on the many historic attractions around town, visit https://www.findalbany.com.au/history-albany. Also take time to experience the natural beauty of Albany and surrounds, with its rugged coastline of sculpted rocks, pristine beaches, and scenic bushwalks. And spend a day discovering over 26 cellar doors in the Albany Region, one of Australia’s largest wine regions.
