This Old House, by Cate and Doug Patterson, Montville History Group

Elsie’s Cottage, a charming historic homestay at 29 Main Street, Montville, has been lovingly restored by third-generation family members Sarah and Matthew Clarke. Perched on the escarpment with stunning views north to Noosa, south to Moreton Island, and inland over Kondalilla National Park, the cottage has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s.

The land was originally selected by George Land Bury in 1881. In 1935, Alf Short purchased the property, which locals fondly called ‘Red Hill’. Alf, who had a passion for music, met his future wife, Ivy Kerr, at a dance where he was playing his button accordion. The couple named their home ‘Arcadia’, meaning ‘place of simple pleasure and contentment’. They raised their four children there, with the older ones attending Montville State School before the family moved to Woody Point in 1949.

After the Short family sold the home, it passed through several hands before Clive Blair, Montville’s Post Master, and his wife Elsie, purchased it in 1974. Clive, using his WW2 veterans’ loan, began renovations on the house, which had fallen into disrepair. The couple loved gardening, and Clive often filled the post office counter with vibrant clivias and daylilies from their garden. One particular daylily, a rich golden orange, became known locally as ‘Elsie’.

In recent years, the property has been revitalised by Sarah and Matthew Clarke, who acquired the house earlier this year from Matthew’s parents. Elsie, who was Matthew’s great aunt, would be modest yet secretly thrilled that the house has been named after her.

The restoration of Elsie’s Cottage has been a labour of love. Floorboards were exposed, revealing richly coloured timbers, and some were replaced. The original small bedrooms were reconfigured to create two generously sized rooms, and the bathrooms and kitchen were completely renovated. The house was repainted, and the gardens were carefully revitalised, with old trees, including a rare Nabal avocado, preserved.

Sarah was committed to retaining the property’s historic charm while introducing modern comforts for guests. The old Montville rose, with its thick, gnarled trunk, still thrives in the garden, and a new firepit with log stumps for seating has been added, making great use of the limited level land and providing panoramic views.

As the work crew cleared and tidied the grounds, they discovered a few old bottles, a testament to Clive’s fondness for sharing a drink with friends at home. These bottles have been cleverly incorporated into the concrete garden edges, adding a touch of whimsy. Inside the cottage, other historic artefacts, such as old chamber pots and a kerosene lamp, have been embraced as part of the interior décor.

Elsie’s Cottage exudes rustic charm, with a central internal fireplace in the open-plan living area. The space is furnished with a cosy couch, a window seat with commanding coastal views, and antique furniture from the Dixon family home, dating back to 1908. Everywhere you look, there are personal family touches, from a framed photo of a young Elsie to local interest books and leaflets.

The kitchen welcomes guests with fresh flowers, a basket of fruit, local condiments, and quality beverage-making facilities. Elsie’s Cottage, now a luxurious and historic retreat, offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, allowing guests to experience the rich history and stunning beauty of Montville.