Jilliby home with cattle farming history oozes country charm
A RURAL residence in Jilliby that is believed to be the old watering hole trail back in the cattle farming days, has been lovingly renovated by its owner.
A Jilliby property oozing country charm has been transformed by owner Anne Fahey, who has lived in the Valley for nearly 30 years.
The 2093sqm home at 671 Jilliby Rd, is on a narrow block and includes its own creek boundary. Ms Fahey said that she had been told that the location was once a trail to the watering hole for cattle.
“Some residents who have been here long-term believe that the cattle farmers would pass through this block and take the cattle down to drink. Once the industry left the valley, the block was sold, which is why it’s so narrow.
“I love a character-filled home with history. This house was a bit of a dump when I bought it – it was double brick and just very rundown. I tried to build on the history of the place,” she said.
The bathroom includes a resurfaced claw foot bath, recycled timber bathroom vanities and a corrugated iron wall.
A country style kitchen with timber cabinetry includes a 900mm Falcon upright stove, dishwasher and walk-in pantry.
Ms Fahey also said that she loved the loungeroom, for sentimental reasons.
“The fireplace was built by my father, who was a builder. I look around and see a lot of him in here,” she said.
In addition to the main house, there is also a self-contained studio with a covered timber deck.
The owner said that she hoped that the buyer would appreciate the position of the house and the rural beauty that it offered.
“I’m going to miss the mornings – I step onto the back deck and there is a layer of fog. Sometimes I can see deers coming through, and there is the sound of bell birds singing all around me. When I had a horse, I used to amble into the State Forest, which is just across the road. I just love this place.”
JESS VERRENDER
Central Coast Gosford Express Advocate May 15, 2018
Originally published as On the old watering trail
