Work is beginning on Whitburgh Cottage, one of the town’s oldest structures.
A $200,000 Living Heritage Grant and $410,000 of council funds will be used to restore the historically and architecturally significant cottage.
“The Kilmore Historical Society is absolutely delighted to see works beginning on such an important part of local history,” society treasurer Rose King said.
“In the past the building has functioned as a local museum and was a great resource for students when doing projects.
“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.”
Whitburgh Cottage was built between 1853 and 1857 for William Smeaton, a local coach builder and blacksmith.
The Smeaton family owned the house for 113 years. The site is one of the oldest buildings in Kilmore and is the town’s oldest surviving bluestone house.
It epitomises early cottage design with a simple double-fronted composition, hipped roof and constructed of local 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-year.
“Council has a duty to maintain historical structures and Whitburgh Cottage is a very significant one,” Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said.
“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.
“We’re very thankful for our ongoing partnership with the Victorian Government and their support with this project.”
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