A dilapidated historic home in a Victorian goldfields town has been revitalised by a couple with a distinct vision for its potential.
Stumbling upon a decrepit stone cottage on the outskirts of Maldon, a goldfields town approximately 140km north-west of Melbourne, the couple recognised their stroke of luck.
Originally erected around 160 years ago, the building was in a state of disrepair, yet it presented an enticing challenge that the experienced renovators were eager to undertake.
This cottage stands as one of the oldest structures in Maldon, tracing its origins back to the 1860s when a Cornish goldminer erected it to accommodate himself, his wife, and their seven children — all within a solitary stone chamber. Over time, a couple of modest extensions were haphazardly appended to the original structure.
The owners were enamoured with the scenery and the wealth of heritage structures prevalent in Maldon, a town that earned distinction as Australia's inaugural Notable Town by the National Trust of Australia in 1966.
In order to expand the living area within the property, Graham West, a builder from the local vicinity, appended a spacious open-plan living and dining space. Its lofty ceiling showcases exposed handmade timber trusses, while its flooring comprises a blend of unrefined boards sourced from nearby salvage yards.
Photos via Country Style Magazine. Photography by Lisa Cohen.
