Clair House ‘Cottage’ was originally the Apple Orchards cool storage room with an attached workers accommodation. At the time Peter and Abigail first purchased the property, the cool room was part way through being partitioned into three rooms for additional accommodation. Feeling that the current plans for the renovation would diminish rather than enhance the wonderful charm of the building, Peter and Abigail set a new concept for the cool room and adjoining workers accommodation.

Caretakers Cottage

Firstly they opened up the cool room by removing the partitions and added large window/door combinations to the north and south end. Large verandas and decking were also added on the north and south sides. Upon lifting the ‘checker-plate’ floor in main cool room area they discovered to their delight a perfectly preserved pine timber floor which they lacquered with high grade two pack polyurethane. Adding a reverse cycle air-conditioner and free standing wood fire coupled with the original cool room’s heavy insulation in the walls, floors and ceiling, meant that the area could easily be maintained at optimal temperatures all year round.

Inside the Cottage

Adding a granite bench top kitchen to create an open l  living/dining/kitchen space with views out onto the gardens completed  the main room renovations, whilst in parallel the  workers accommodation was transformed in two large bedrooms and  large bathroom. Opening up a door way between the two  sections, enabled the now self contained ‘Clair Cottage’ to be ideal for  additional guests, B & B or separate permanent accommodation.

Cottage Bathroom

Cottage Bedroom