Restoration Australia | Keera Vale

Written by Sibella Court

A once-stately Georgian manor, perched high on a hill overlooking Wollongong, NSW, has been stripped of all its original features over the course of the last century. I join a plucky couple who want to bring back the grand old lady's glory days.

Keera Vale was built in 1843 from old convict bricks, making it one of the oldest properties in the Wollongong area. Originally built for a judge, it’s original grandeur has been crumbling until it fell into the hands of the passionate and dynamic Jen & Harold who wish to restore this ‘house on the hill’ into a new family home.

A trip to Keera Vale was always welcome; an easy drive down the beautiful coastline of Sydney to Wollongong and the knowledge of endless cups of tea & sweet things. Jen & Harold always have a full bustling house that seemed to give everyone there a big hug. One of the many visitors/workers/friends I met there was local Australian artist, Paul Ryan. His rich paintings, thick with paint are easily recognised & I quickly fell for his painting, ‘Blue Boy’ that he dropped over for Jen. We swapped numbers & in no time I had him painting for me for my hospitality design job at Hotel Palisade in Millers Point!

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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.

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