A HISTORIC gem of Penola has recently had a fresh lick of paint in an effort to “keep it up to scratch.”
Ulva Cottage – situated alongside Penola’s pool – was recently gifted to the National Trust of Penola from Wattle Range Council (WRC).
The trust has since given the cottage a fresh look, with refurbishments under way.
The cottage was built between 1850 and 1869 and is known to be one of the earliest town buildings.
The cottage has an exterior of vertical sawn timber and a simple corrugated iron skillion roof at the rear.
It features a chimney and veranda and is viewed by community members and visitors as a portal into another era.
Penola National Trust member Evelyn Bowden said the old-style cottage “deserves to be saved.”
“The National Trust thanks Wattle Range Council for passing it on to the group along with the Bond Store next door,” she said.
Ms Bowden said the trust aimed to enhance the tourism offering in the town by maintaining the historic building.
“The Penola branch will maintain it as it does with the other six buildings in its care.
“We are having it restored to a bed and breakfast standard to produce an income that can be used for its upkeep.”
The small cottage was placed on the National Trust Recorded List and confirmed as a State Heritage Place on the South Australian Heritage Register in 1984.
It was used as a residence, offices and for bed and breakfast accommodation before being purchased by the council.
The property was purchased by WRC, which donated it back to the trust last year.
