Nestled in the historic village of Mount Kembla, New South Wales, historical home Wallaby Cottage stands as a testament to the enduring charm of late 19th-century architecture. Constructed in the 1890s, this former worker’s dwelling has been meticulously restored by Jon and Elle of Kibbin Design Studio, who sought to honour its original character while introducing modern comforts.

The restoration process began with extensive research into the cottage’s history and architectural details. It was discovered that the original structure consisted of four rooms arranged along a central hallway, with a detached kitchen at the rear—a common layout for homes of that era. Over time, various renovations had altered its appearance, including a 1990s kitchen and dining extension that departed from the cottage’s original aesthetic.

To return the cottage to its former glory, the team focused on the façade. The bullnose veranda, a distinctive feature of the period, was reconstructed based on historical photographs, and the original double-hung windows were restored to working order. A new galvanized iron roof was installed, and a Federation-inspired colour scheme was applied, featuring off-whites complemented by a red oxide front door. Painstaking effort was made to carefully remove layers of paint from the cottage’s cladding, which revealed the original 125-year-old mixed hardwood timbers beneath.

Protecting and restoring timber of this age requires the right products, and CUTEK® Extreme CD50 was the perfect choice for historical home Wallaby Cottage. Designed to deeply penetrate and nourish wood from within, CUTEK® helps stabilise and protect aged timbers, preventing issues like cracking and warping while enhancing the natural grain and beauty of the wood. Unlike traditional coatings that can obscure the timber’s character, CUTEK® allows the true history of the material to shine through while providing long-lasting protection against the elements. By using CUTEK®, the owners are ensured that the historic timber elements of the home were not only revived but also safeguarded for the future.

Wallaby Cottage now stands as a beautiful example of how thoughtful design and a deep respect for history can breathe new life into a structure, allowing it to tell its story for generations to come.

Design and Ownership: Kibbin Design Studio
Construction: Souter Built
Photography: Light & Lines