The Repose, Dubbo's popular boutique homestay listed for sale
- Owners: Jemima and Bede Aldridge and Ric and Moir Jones
- Address: 263 Darling Street, Dubbo, NSW
- Type of property: Renovated miner’s cottage
- Price guide: $650,000-$700,000
Tucked away in the regional city of Dubbo, amid the sprawling landscapes of the Western Plains, lies The Repose, a cottage that tells a tale of transformation and renewal.
Transported from the gold-rush town of Cobar, the structure has evolved from a humble miner’s cottage, through years of neglect, to its current incarnation as a beloved artisanal homestay.
This evolution mirrors the joys of a road trip through the Australian countryside — unexpected, awe-inspiring and profoundly rewarding.
In 2019, the cottage found new life under the stewardship of Jemima and Bede Aldridge, the couple behind the leather goods brand Saddler & Co, and their friends Ric and Moir Jones, a paramedic and farmer and a local medical practice manager, respectively.
Together, they saw past its years of wear and tear, envisioning its new lease of life.
“From the moment we laid eyes on it, despite its cramped layout, dilapidated courtyard, and aged quirks, its charisma spoke to us,” Jemima recalls.
“We were eager to preserve and celebrate its quintessential Australian profile and original hallmarks, from the floorboards to the sash windows.”
The vision was to establish a boutique retreat in Dubbo, an area known for its natural splendour but needing more premium accommodation choices.
Undertaking this project demanded 18 months of detailed restoration while balancing full-time jobs and family commitments, prioritising careful craftsmanship and selective sourcing.
“A standout aspect of the renovation is the bathroom and laundry transformation, repurposing what was once a detached outhouse into a luxurious and calming space, where the restored claw-foot bathtub is a focal point,” Jemima says.
“This area now connects to the cottage through a sundrenched corridor, featuring lime-washed floorboards and vintage French doors and windows we refurbished.”
Other significant efforts to prove fruitful were the removal of a central bedroom to expand the living area and the many hours spent cultivating the gardens.
The creation of a private courtyard became a focal point of communal joy.
“This Tuscan-style courtyard is enclosed by a hand-rendered and limestone-painted fence, standing seven-foot tall to afford the luxury of complete privacy,” Jemima says.
“Layered bricks, brass lighting, a marble-topped table, European chairs, and olive trees complete its ambience.”
Both the owners and guests of The Repose have created countless memories in this cherished courtyard, centred around a crackling, cast iron outdoor fireplace that was salvaged from Ric and Moir’s family home renovation.
“Nothing beats opening a bottle of local wine and preparing some regional produce in the shaker-style kitchen before gathering around the crackling fire, talking until the mellow days turn into starlit nights,” Jemima says.
“This courtyard has encouraged intimate gatherings and even a few heartfelt, small weddings.”
Beyond the most visible changes are the intricate details the couples poured their hearts into, from the restored floorboards, lined ceilings, brass door knobs and light switches to the antique dresser washstand and the bathroom’s reclaimed terracotta tiles.
Just beyond its charming white picket fence, Darling Street offers a vibrant local scene, with the likes of the coffee house PoppySeed Cafe and the artisan butcher Darling Street Meat House just a short stroll away.
The magnificent Macquarie River is just a stone-skip away, granting a number of activities.
“In the summer, our families relish picnics by the river, enjoying swims or kayaking at sunset,” Jemima says.
“We love how Dubbo serves as a gateway to the Western Plains, where the mountains give way to a landscape of open plains, farmland, and a sense of wild adventure.”
The decision to part with The Repose is bittersweet, driven by a desire for more family time and new ventures, including Jemima’s newly launched Foray Design Store – which showcases notable artists and brands – and a consultancy for experiential spaces.
They hope the next custodians will further the cottage’s legacy of care, creativity, and community.
“We leave a peaceful retreat in the heart of Dubbo’s vibrant region, with a garden that reflects the changing seasons,” Jemima says.
“The cottage’s cool, tranquil interiors stand in contrast to the plains’ dry heat, true to The Repose’s name – a place of rest and respite.”
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