She’s one of Australia’s most loved TV personalities, but Edwina Bartholomew is also a keen renovator. Here, we take a look inside Warramba – an 1890s homestead in New South Wales’ Capertee Valley, that Edwina and her husband Neil have lovingly restored, with a modern country appeal that’ll make you weak at the knees.
Set on 100 acres of regenerated farmland in the Greater Blue Mountains, the incredible restoration was completed with the help of Edwina’s good friend Felicity Slattery of design practice Studio Esteta. “The bones of it were so good, we didn’t have to do anything to the structure,” says Edwina. “The original cottage was quite small – an old shearer’s cottage that had been extended in the 1980s using sandstone from the original quarry, so the outside was absolutely spectacular with a corrugated iron roof.”
Inside was a different story. “We were so naive,” laughs Edwina. “It was the first renovation we’d ever done, so we thought we’d just pop in an IKEA kitchen, it’ll be super simple….” As is so often the story, more was needed to be done to create the stunning modern homestead we see today. “We didn’t realise at the time that there was a garden hose connecting the tank to the house as the main source of water, and a green tree frog living in the loo!” Edwina share. Roping in the help of builder Ben from Pirie Homes, they decided they would eventually rent out the property, so invested in a comprehensive renovation to open up the living spaces, lay new flooring over the top of unsalvageable cement and wood floors, and address the aesthetics of the house and gardens over a six month period. “
“I’m Pinterest obsessed. I love all the magazines. Save images on Instagram … have all that there’s so you are very very clear on what it is you want and what your non-negotiables are.”
Edwina Bartholomew
While Felicity did a lot of the plans for the interior fit-out and suggested lighting solutions and where to place artworks for added drama, Edwina chose all of the furnishings for the interiors herself, honing what she calls a modern country aesthetic.
While things took longer than expected for Edwina’s vision for the homestead to be realised, the learnings are many and the property is now enjoying rave reviews as a farm stay on Airbnb. “I think being really involved in it really helps, because you can be completely across all the things that are happening,” says Edwina. “If you go there on site one day and there’s a question about something, you don’t have to go to five other people to find an answer, you’re across it.” The results are inviting and luxurious and the setting is breathtaking, complete with highlands cows and everything you’d want from a country home experience, all within driving distance from Sydney for a weekend escape.
“It’s been such an adventure for the two of us in such an amazing part of our lives so far and hopefully well into the future. I’d like to think we would make the same decision again.”
Edwina Bartholomew
“It’s very earthy – the sandstone speaks to the colours the escarpment and we’ve tried to reflect those colours inside”
Edwina Bartholomew
If you’re looking for a blissful country escape, hit the road and head west to enjoy quintessential wide open roads, culminating in majestic vistas of the Capertee valley. Lovingly restored as a bolthole for the world-weary, Warramba sleeps six guests in three beautifully appointed bedrooms and has one generous bathroom to share. The fully equipped kitchen to creates a cosy hub in which to cook and share meals in true country style. Or add a couple of swags to the mix and camp out under the stars to get even closer to nature.
Prices average $600 per night for two people with a two night minimum stay. Visit warramba.com.au or Book here.
