Restoring a Historical Home on the Edge of the World (House Tour)

Captain Kelly’s Cottage is the story of restoring a historical home on the edge of the world. The house was finished in 2016 by John Wardle Architects for John and his wife Susan. Having bought Waterview without knowing its history, John and Susan quickly researched the landscape and its colonial settlement. After asking neighbours and previous owners, John found out that Captain Kelly was a first-generation European Australian with convict parents. Before John and Susan intervened, the cottage had weathered multiple additions and alterations and, along the way, lost a sense of its own history.

As one of two large structures perched along the edge of the vast maritime landscape, looking out over the ocean of Storm Bay, Captain Kelly’s Cottage is steeped in architectural history. Throughout the story of restoring a historical home on the edge of the world, John Wardle Architects achieved a contemporary reading of the existing structure whilst featuring important elements of its past.

For a small and condensed project, John found the restoration challenging – to give the interior design and the architecture a present-day reinterpretation, whilst staying true to its heritage and understanding the environmental impacts and climatic conditions of being on the edge of a cliff. John also took the time to understand the responsibility of owning the Tasmanian land. More recently, research into the pre-colonial history of the First Nation’s stewardship of the property is being undertaken, an important task John is intent on doing.

As the story of restoring a historical home on the edge of the world comes to a close, John views his interventions as a curatorial restoration. The home is primarily made from timber and brick, which has been locally sourced. Additionally, a lot of the interior design is fuelled by locally sourced elements – materials, furniture and pieces. Fabrics and objects within the interior have also been sourced by John and Susan from their international travels, evoking the essence of a maritime home on the edge of a cliff, looking out to the world beyond.

Stated to have been built by carpenters from Kelly’s ship, the architecture and interior design of the home today speaks to its original identity and tells the story of restoring a historical home on the edge of the world. Internally, a strip of paint has been removed to reveal the home’s original paint colours, exploring both the original and subsequent eras of the cottage’s existence at once.

Located on Bruny Island in Southern Tasmania, Captain Kelly’s Cottage by John Wardle Architects is a significant intersection of historical eras. The cottage is the story of restoring a historical home on the edge of the world; there is an appreciation felt throughout – of its past and a celebration for its future.

For more from The Local Project:

Architecture by John Wardle Architects.
Photography by Rory Gardiner.
Filmed and Edited by Cheer Squad Film Co.
Production by The Local Project.

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[matthewlinaman]

I think this was the best Local Project video I’ve ever seen. I felt like I was there. And I loved his story telling of the history and architecture. Just amazing.

[michaelnicola]

I’ve never seen a home that so completely spoke to me, it feels like home. I wish there was a book of it.

[bjstudio]

It’s so life affirming to see architects work that respects history, heritage and the skills involved in sharing these values with contemporary lifestyles and future inhabitants. Waddle appears to have achieved all three.

[modman]

My favourite piece of architecture in the country and just completely sublime on every level. John Wardle deserves every accolade he has received as the best architect in the land. I hope that one day I may do anything nearly this well. Extraordinary work, gorgeous video (well done Local Project) and just a privilege to be able to gain insight into this exquisite building. 🙌🏼

[Su-jbzr]

That paint strip idea is BOMB. Gives amazing texture and character to the house. I hope this channel hits millions, i joined at 60k and i am so happy many more people finding this paradise of cinematography and architecture.

[SJLA]

WOW! just absolutely wow! The architecture, the cinematography, the history, the story-telling -- this was on another level of brilliant!

[lorenwil]

What a wonderful, truly romantic way to live. This was a wonderful video — I could listen to him eloquently wax on about their restoration and stewardship of the property all day. Well done. Thank you.

[jcjinche]

The suspense paid off. This is one of the best local project houses that i've seen. Stunning, eclectic and respectful. Really cool!

[tamravenhill]

So rarely you see architecture that is without exception. This is hands down the best I've seen, ever. I feel so fortunate to have heard the story and appreciate that it's been shared.

[helenjenkins]

How thoughtful, how tasteful, harmonious & humane your projects are ……. Respect & admiration ❤️

[jacksonhides]

Beautifully captured and edited. A stunning insight into the thought processes of one of Australia's most celebrated architects (and deservedly so!).

[JimSlim]

If my budget was unlimited this is exactly what I would want. Beautiful, humble, content.

[joshmcguigan]

Absolutely love this one. Great blend between historical and contemporary architectural practices!

[aarong]

I love both Captain Kelly's Cottage and the Sheep Shearer's Quarters. Incredible architecture and site.

[joshsmith]

This home is so beautiful it literally brought me to tears!

[jean-marcplante]

Rarely has such a video leave me in bliss and awe! That has to be one of the most gorgeous restoration projects I have laid eyes on yet!

[blujay]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece of art

[vonnykintore]

Everything I have seen from John seems to spark and create such a depth of beauty....even place is beautiful. Im again aware that his projects have a great impact on me. thanks

[UrsaMinor]

Those little reveals of the history in the house is

[maryjames]

This is brilliance in the making. Love the culmination of history, architecture, form and design and to keeping it authentic. Absolutely the best home design video that i have seen till to date.