Nestled amongst the pine trees towards the front of the property stands the original cottage. Built decades ago The Cottage was the only residence on the farm until the late 1970s when the “new” homestead was built.
It fronted the main road to Taralga, the first house on the hill as weary travellers climbed up from the river crossing first by foot, then horse and then motor cars and tractors. In times of flood it provided a vital refuge as local residents and strangers alike were caught out by heavy rains and rising waters that made crossing the river dangerous or impossible.
In 1974 Taralga Road was realigned with a new bridge constructed 150m further north to it’s present location. The old bridge and road where added to this property. The cottage, old road and old bridge supports remain untouched today.
Built from cement, rocks and trees from the site and area with an apex tin roof this 3 bedroom cottage originally had a simple double brick fireplace, kitchen (with its own fireplace), bathroom and outhouse with a laundry. A number of changes by various owners were made including adding a bullnose verandah to the front, covering and extending the back verandah, and adding a timber garage.
The Cottage was abandoned by the previous owners when the homestead was built. Left to rot the structure still stands tall defying the years waiting to be renovated and modernised to last another century or more. The bullnose verandah, garage, tin roof, kitchen, outhouse and even both chimney still stand and are structurally sound
Renovation Plans
Sarah and I passionately love the history of the old place. We’ve cleaned it out, removed all the old carpets, interiors, asbestos and other trash so that we can restore the cottage better than it used to be. We anticipate guests will appreciate the old vintage charm and history provided there stay is clean, warm (or cool) and a little bit luxurious.
A rare opportunity to retain the history of the region with the comforts of modern life.
For this reason we spent 2 years and $125,000 on a Development Application that included a modest renovation that would include the original features of the cottage and a modern bathroom and toilet.
Refused By Council
Our Development Application was outright refused by Goulburn Mulwaree Council recently so The Cottage @ Tarlo will likely never be made whole again.
That’s a shame but we have excused all viable options. After 2 years, multiple submissions with multiple revised reports, surveys and drawings we are at the end of our enthusiasm. Council are unwilling to tell us specifically what can be done or how their permission can be granted. Seems there is nothing we can do to satisfy Council.
This is, unfortunately, a common story in Goulburn these days.
At least we can still walk around and appreciate the history as it once was. I hear there may be an old ghost or two that haunts the place.
If you enjoy old historic homes have a look around the cottage when you You can even sleep a night in there if you a game. It’s clean, dry and sheltered but you may be woken up by the howl of a ghost in the middle of the night.
#TheCottageAtTarlo
