Restoration Australia | Emmaville

Written by Sibella Court

A community bands together to save their slice of Australian history, a rundown cottage on the outskirts of Orange, NSW, that may be the birthplace of one of the country's greatest literary icons

Possibly the birth place of Banjo Patterson, the poet immortalised through his ‘Waltzing Matilda’, this house is one of the oldest in Orange. Its unique style of architecture has seen the locals band together to save, restore & transport the entire house to a new resting place in time for Banjo’s 150^th Birthday celebrations. This is the only community project in the series - and what a collection of characters I had the privilege of meeting.

It was my first shoot after having Silver, and at 6 weeks it was her first on set experience. I had a magical day riding on Peter Kirschner’s Harley Davidson, leather hassled jacket & all, to his secret faraway house. A tropical forest with an old 60’s school bus reimagined into his glass workshop. The floor was lined with the shard remnants, which tinkled under foot. A day I will never forget. Peter passed away earlier this year - he will be fondly remembered.

Tune in to ABC iView or Netflix Australia

Get the Look

If you too are excited by this and looking to introduce a touch of heritage trades & craftsmanship in your home, we’ve put together some pieces from my own hardware & homegoods range that would fit perfectly in any of the historic houses that feature on Restoration Australia.

Keep Reading

How To

A Comprehensive Guide to Renovating Your Space

Renovating a house is like breathing new life into a familiar space. It's an exciting journey that allows you to transform your living space according to your tastes, needs, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking to update a single room or give your entire house a makeover, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the key steps of a successful house renovation.

Armchair Travel to Bali | Pineapple Hill

We whizzed down the back streets of Seminyak and the smaller the streets became the deeper we time travel into a Bali of a time gone-by...

Summer Stay at The Salty Dog

This year, my dear friend and photographer; William Meppem and I captured the essence of this perfect boathouse, located in Newport, Sydney. The ideal spot to drop your anchor this holiday season.

I have dreamt of a boathouse escape for many years and all of my dreams have come true in a recent visit to a space that captures it all, The Salty Dog. This miniature house provides all of the nuances of boat building within its own minute space. Situated amongst the quintessential Sydney landscape of emerald green water and unique sandstone structures - surrounded by angophora gums.

With the extension of the dinghy & direct entrance to the water, this house evolves into an explorative landscape that extends beyond its petite footprint. If I were to create the ideal boathouse... This would be it.

BOOK THE SALTY DOG

An Interview with Judi:

Become a Pirate

Create an account to open the door into the imaginairium and a world of possibility.