Home Scene with Herrmann House

This is not just a story about some luxurious new accommodation in a cute little historical town. It’s a story of how two little old ladies – (or houses) that came together and now will live on for another 100 years.

Located in Kalbar on the main street sat a neglected, little cottage that was built before the turn of the century. What was possibly one of the oldest houses in the town, the cottage had a major lean and way too many additions.

When the owners Paul and April bought it, they were astounded at how this little house had, an outside tap in the lounge room - “We had two of our builders suggest that she be knocked down as there wasn’t much to salvage” said April. “But I wasn’t going to buy

that,” she said. “I save and renovate buildings for a living and love the idea of saving something so old.”

And so the project began. At the same time, another historic, farmhouse sat up on a hill about 1.5 kilometres away from the town. It too was built around the same time and had the same building features as the cottage in town. Wide horizontal internal VJ’s, the same sharply pitched roof, and the same decorative X shaped features either side of the front door.

“We were given the opportunity to save this farmhouse by the owners of many, many decades. It too was empty and way too much of a project for them. The owner’s one condition was to keep the house in Kalbar and restore it back to its original beauty” said April.

So early this year, the farmhouse was shifted down 1.5km down the road back into the township of Kalbar to join the other original cottage. The new owners had created White Chapel and Black Hall Kalbar over a year previously and wanted to create gorgeous country accommodation for their brides and other visitors to Kalbar. It seemed like the logical choice to have one big beautiful country homestead that could play host to Kalbar’s visitors. And so, the transformation began for the two cottages.

They were joined together with a pavilion which became the light and airy outdoor entertaining area. The cottages were rebuilt from the ground up to combine all the character of these historic buildings with the luxury of modern country style. A stunning but simple monochromatic theme was used. The walls are soft white and the floors are stained ‘japan black’.

There are 3 luxurious king size bedrooms and 1 queen bedroom. Each with their own luxurious ensuites. The bathrooms ooze elegance with marble flooring, Laura Ashley chandeliers, heated towel rails, vintage style baths and walk-in showers. Although maintaining the historic feel, the homestead boasts all the mod cons - like reverse cycle air-conditioning, remote controlled gas fireplaces, WiFi, Netflix, TVs and Bluetooth sound. The French provincial furnishings could only be described as ‘luxe’. Fur throws, large leaner mirrors and exclusive ‘Hunter’ bathroom products are found throughout.

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to come in the heat of summer or the cold of winter, these houses have it covered with reverse cycle air conditioning, gas fireplaces and even an outdoor firepit for evenings under the stars. The feeling inside is cozy, warm and welcoming. This home evokes an era of elegance, and yet, has maintained its country feel.

“We are so proud to be able to save these houses and ensure that they bring people together in a beautiful environment for another 100 years” states Paul. “We even named the home after one of the cottage’s Kalbar owners – the Herrmann’s.”

It goes to show that no matter how much a building can be forgotten or neglected, there is often something of beauty still left lying inside the walls. These two old country ladies have now been made young again and it is so lovely to have them back in the Kalbar community.