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Restoration work on historical Kilmore cottage set to begin

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Mitchell Shire Council is partnering with the State Government to restore one of Kilmore’s oldest structures, with work beginning on Whitburgh Cottage.

A $200,000 Living Heritage Grant and $410,000 of council money will be used to restore the historically and architecturally significant cottage.

Whitburgh Cottage was erected between 1853-57 for William Smeaton, a coachbuilder and blacksmith. The house remained in Smeaton family ownership for 113 years.

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The site is one of the oldest buildings in Kilmore and is Kilmore’s oldest surviving bluestone house.

It epitomises early cottage design with a simple double fronted composition, hipped roof and constructed of local materials, in this case bluestone.

The tender for the project has been awarded to Reliance Constructions, with a major focus of the repairs to be a bulge in the western wall that will need to be reinforced.

Other works include repairing the slate roof, replacing floorboards, skirting boards and architraves, electrical works, fixing water damage and repainting.

The restoration works are anticipated to be completed mid-2022.

Kilmore Historical Society treasurer Rose King said the society was ‘absolutely delighted’ to see works beginning on such an important part of the town’s history.

“In the past the building has functioned as a local museum and was a great resource for students when doing projects,” she said.

“It has potential to be an important historical resource for the area and we can’t wait to see the finished product.

“We’re very thankful that Mitchell Shire Council and the Victorian Government have committed significant funding to preserve a piece of our town’s history.”

Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor Bill Chisholm said council had a duty to maintain historical structures and Whitburgh Cottage was significant to the area.

“Whitburgh Cottage is an important part of Kilmore’s history and an asset that needs to be protected. These works will ensure the historic building remains for generations to come,” he said.

“We’re very thankful for our ongoing partnership with the Victorian Government and their support with this project.”

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