Home Away From Home: An old school master's cottage turned into a welcome escape

Just over three hours’ south from Sydney or east from Canberra lies a favourite spot for city-siders to escape from the big smoke. For those craving the tranquillity of the country, fresh air and clear waters, Milton is ever popular as a historic village perched between Pigeon House mountain and the South Pacific Ocean.

Just west of the centre of town, Jenny Paul has fostered a space for her guests to unwind and enjoy the home comforts at the Old Schoolhouse, Milton.

From The Loft, perfect for romantic weekends, or The Stables looking out to the views over the paddock, with high-quality sheets, teas, and fresh produce, it’s like home but better.

“I want everybody to feel so comfortable that they can come in and put their feet on the couch, but I really hope they don’t put their feet on the couch,” she says with a laugh.

When Paul and her partner discovered the property in 2015 after walking by with her two border collies, it was incredibly rundown, but the former landscape designer recognised it had that all-important “sense of place”.

“It has so much character,” she says.

Originally built in 1880, the main house – the old school master’s cottage – was a tiny two-bedroom house described by Paul as dark and cold, with the “stables” (the former Milton Hospital laundry) in a similar condition.

Paul worked with her architect, Jim O’Brien of ViewThru, to transform the heritage property with three-metre vaulted ceilings into big, spacious and sunny open-plan rooms.

They also retained the character and old charm with large dormer windows.

“It was so complicated [to build the windows], but it really paid off because it’s brought so much light and sunshine into the house,” Paul says.

They also decided to raise the entire home onto a concrete slab to capture the views over the rolling hills.

Early mornings begin with watching the mist come through the valleys or saying hello to the cows across the paddock and watching the dogs chase off the foxes.

But the rural cottage is full of magical spots, such as watching the sunset with a gin and tonic on the verandah that wraps the house. Or Paul’s personal favourite of her tranquil bench, with her dogs by her side, in the historic orchard that spans a quarter of the property.

In collaboration with Paul’s designer Christina Prescott, they have achieved the vision of a homely, yet sophisticated country stay.

The whole home navigates a mix of modernity and heritage thanks to the antique pieces collected by Paul over the years, while the modern kitchen bench extends out to the outdoor area complete with a pizza oven, open fireplace and a barbecue area.

“I put in this big picture window with a daybed next to the fire, and everybody just gravitates towards it; they’ll have a snooze in the afternoon, read a book or have a cup of tea,” Paul says. “The whole feel of the property enables you to just take a big deep breath and relax.”

Now more than ever, those who can need to be supporting these communities after a traumatic few months that started with the bushfires and continues into COVID-19-related lockdowns.

Today, they are getting back on their feet as guests come from across NSW, and Paul says her most common feedback is how relieved people are to be getting out of the city. “To say hello to the chickens and have a bit of space.”

While in Milton

Milk Haus

A wholefood cafe in a former cheese factory, Milk Haus is a firm favourite for the locals with freshly baked goods and organic produce grown in the garden.

Cupitt’s Estate

A family-run affair, Cupitt’s Estate is an example of how wonderful the South Coast is: wine tasting complete with views of the vineyards and mountains in the background.

Spaces 2538 

Lovingly run by mother and daughter team Vic and Gab, Spaces 2538 will allow you to bring some quaint country style home with bohemian textiles and handmade ceramics.

Go for a hike

To really soak up the tranquillity of the South Coast, don’t forget hiking shoes to explore the surrounding Pigeon House mountain, or swimwear for diving into the ample coastline and hidden beaches.