Bunking down in Blackheath

A Blue Mountains escape

Ross’s cottage in Blackheath is an escape from suburbia to somewhere more peaceful. More than a century old, it’s a little rustic, a little quirky, but brimming with history and classic Blue Mountains character. Surrounded by bushland, with valley views and walks on the doorstep, it’s a special place to slow down, unwind and spend quality time together as a family.

But with four children growing up fast – as children do – the cosy cottage was starting to feel a little too cosy. Babies become toddlers, toddlers turn into teens, and there was only so much room to go around. So, in 2015 they made the decision to create more.

“We wanted a separate space for the teenagers to hang out,” says Ross.

Rather than extend the original cottage, the family decided to add a separate cabin in the garden. It was logistically easier and a more straightforward, affordable way to gain the extra room they were looking for. But it was also a chance to fully embrace the beauty of the location by elevating the building on the block.

“The site had some size constraints but has a beautiful aspect and view, so we wanted to make the most of this,” Ross explains.

By adding somewhere the kids could sleep, relax and have their own space, everyone could be together while not having to all squeeze into the small cottage.

And with its elevated position, the cabin could make the most of the bushland and valley views, bringing the beauty of the setting inside as well as out.

Built for Blackheath

It was to be set in the heart of a character-filled, iconic Blue Mountains town, next to a historic cottage, at the gateway to the Blue Mountains National Park.

So, because design flexibility is where a Melwood comes into its own, Ross turned to Greenspan for the little mountains cabin that he pictured.

Starting from a base design, Ross could personalise almost every element – the cladding, the colours, the windows and doors, and their placement – and in doing so, create something that was exactly right for both the cottage and the character of the setting.

Ross selected a Melwood Verandah 17 with the covered front deck that is a classic feature of the traditional weatherboard cottages found throughout the mountains.

The cladding was upgraded to Western Red Cedar weatherboard, and later painted the same gentle cream as the exterior of the original cottage. ‘Surfmist’ roofing keeps the exterior palette light, while the ‘Cottage Green’ gutters and downpipes echo the existing property’s roof colour. The verandah posts and decking trim were painted Cottage Green to match and bring the look together.

“The cabin is well built and ties in beautifully with the existing house,” Ross confirms.

The façade has the familiar proportions of a traditional country cottage – a single door in the centre, white-framed colonial style windows to either side, the verandah across the front, a classic cream palette with subtle green trim.

And just like the cottage, it has the perfectly understated rustic charm that works so beautifully in this Blue Mountains town.

Harmonious holidaying

Inside is simple, relaxed… and everything a kids’ retreat should be.

The pitched ceiling creates a sense of airiness and height; ideal to accommodate the two sets of bunk beds that are dressed in bright, cheerful bedding. A corner sofa provides somewhere to flop between adventures, and the picture windows frame the bush and valley views that the building’s elevated position enjoys.

The front verandah connects the interior with the outside without leaving the building – a little extra room to hang out, soak up the scenery and breathe in the fresh mountain air.

There’s room to sleep a small crowd of kids and their friends, sprawl out with a book or magazine, or play board games on a rainy day. It’s exactly the kind of place that gives families the little bit of separation that’s the secret to harmonious holidays.

It’s a space built for use, not for show. It’s not luxurious or elaborate and was never meant to be – it was designed to be fun, not fancy. It’s an honest, hardworking cabin that delivers everything the family has needed for making memories in the mountains for more than a decade.

Memories in the mountains

For 11 years Ross’s family has headed into the hills for quality time together. And their Melwood has been – and continues to be – an integral part of these family holidays.

“Our separate cabin is much loved and heavily utilised,” Ross confirms. “We have a lovely cabin that will last for years, in a beautiful part of the world.”

Part of its appeal is the independence it gives the kids. With a space of their own, they can settle in, spend time together and enjoy the freedom that comes with having their own little retreat, while still being part of the family getaway.

But it’s also made it possible to share the experience with others.

“It’s enabled our kids to invite their friends up to stay when we’ve had a family break in the mountains,” says Ross.

More beds mean more room for more people. And that means more memories made in a place that has always meant so much.

It might not be 5-star accommodation, but when it comes to the things that matter most – family, friends, and fun, it’s five stars all the way.

All measurements are approximate.