Words and Images_ Simone Gonzalez

IMMACULATELY RESTORED KALBAR ACCOMODATION, ‘HERRMANN HOUSE’ SERVES AS BOTH A HOMAGE TO ITS RICH HISTORICAL PAST AND A NOD TO THE PLETHORA OF OPPORTUNITY ON OFFER IN THIS CHARMING LITTLE SCENIC RIM VILLAGE. 

They say there’s nothing quite like the hospitality and generosity of spirit of the country and there’s certainly no exception in the picturesque village of Kalbar, where the slower pace of life beats to the rhythm of a different drum. As the past echos through the streets at every turn, Kalbar is steeped in German heritage, interwoven with a lush tapestry of horticultural fields and framed against the majestic backdrop of the Scenic Rim mountain ranges. 

The reception here is so friendly that even the family of tawny frog mouths who have taken up permanent residency in the rafters of Herrmann House since day 1, have interrupted their daily sleeping schedule to offer a wide eyed, heartwarming greeting. The communal bbq area on the verandah on which the ruffled feathered trio overlooks is significant, as it marks the intersection where two of the oldest houses in town now join together in seamless unison; both of which have been saved from an otherwise unsavoury end and have been meticulously restored to a newfound glory. 

Co-owner April Cornwell, who has also coordinated the impressive restorative efforts of the White Chapel Kalbar and Black Hall Kalbar wedding venues on the same street, says that while previously living nearby on a property at Lake Mooregah, it was a drive down to the local hardware store by her husband, Paul which was a catalyst for the transformative journey across the properties. “He said we’re just going to drive back through Kalbar. I need to show you something. Then he showed me this run down chapel that had been empty for 5 years and he said I think we should buy it and breathe some life back into it.” 

Originally intended to be a venue that brides could rent out themselves, it wasn’t long before requests for wedding and beverage packages for the newly transformed chapel came flowing in and the need for more accomodation apart from what was already available in town became apparent. As luck would have it, April and Paul were approached at the same time by the Herrmanns, one of the oldest German families in Kalbar, who offered their historic 1880’s house for purchase, assured that it would be carefully maintained and kept in town by the Cornwell’s. “The idea was to join two of the oldest ladies together into what could be the star of the street and something the town could be really proud of,” April says. 

However the process was not without its challenges and it was 4am one morning when a few weary eyes residents looked on as the dilapidated old Herrmann house had been loaded up onto a trailer on Munbilla Road and began its slow amble down the hill for 1 km to George St. There were tense moments as the house was lifted off the heaving truck, swinging as it was manoeuvred in an extraordinarily tight fit beside the grand old Jacaranda tree at the front of the property and placed beside the existing Chant’s cottage, also of the same era. 

Ironically, it was after the eventual restoration and unison of the two houses - on the eve of the day the first wedding was to take place at White Chapel Kalbar and the first guests were due at the luxury accomodation, that there was a devastating hail storm that moved thought the Scenic Rim. Decimating crops in Kalbar and its surrounds and wreaking havoc on various infrastructure, the storm also damaged a huge part of the very Jacaranda tree that was so valiantly saved in the initial move. 

Kalbar is the kind of place where a genuine sense of community is tangible and so after the storm there was a groundswell of support from fellow residents. April, who now lives half way between Brisbane and Kalbar was at home watching all the events unfold. “I rang our landscape gardener and he told me that the damage through the street was horrendous. So Paul and I came here at 5am in the morning. We didn’t know if we had to cancel our guests or what we had to do. However the two gardeners and one of their partners were already here chopping up trees and tidying up and fixing the fence even though one of their houses was worse than ours - the shed of their house was completely flattened. The post office lady even had her ute with the high vis on at 5am driving down the street asking residents to give her their rubbish. The Lions also came through, helping people. They were absolutely amazing. The whole community is.” 

In a highly disposable society, Herrmann House offers both a sustainable and reverent approach as it successfully balances development with preservation, the old and the new and is a testament to the beauty to be found in the restored, remade and recycled. Great care has been taken throughout its transformative process to salvage and preserve the original elements and character of the home as various windows, doors, ladders and other structural features have been shuffled around and repurposed within the property; some of which even form a feature photographic wall at the Black Hall Kalbar wedding venue for brides and grooms. A number of the deteriorating trees and shrubs on the property also had an arborist treat them and completely regenerate them. “We tried to be respectful of the town and their heritage and I think the wonderful thing is that the community has really embraced it,” April says. 

The White Chapel Kalbar and Black Hall Kalbar wedding venues as well as Herrmann House, have not only played a pivotal role in placing the town firmly on the destination map but have created a wave of opportunity for businesses and the community alike. This close knit town, as a result, has been drawn even closer together through thriving partnerships and collaborative efforts to provide the best in hospitality and service. “We’re connecting with some pretty incredible people,” April says. “Lindsey from Lovett cafe can bring up some amazing grazing platters for lunch and we can even arrange for Mitchell Fox from Austin House to come and do a private dinner party. We already have the likes of Cocoa and Myrtle who create our beautiful soaps and is now being recognised in all these magazines - there’s so many talented people out here. We’re only just starting to scratch the surface.” 

April has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the ongoing regeneration of the town of Kalbar itself and wholeheartedly believes that the more you give to a place the more it gives back. Starting a progress association and helping Lions raise money to paint the community centre, April has also been the driving force behind applying for various other grants as well. “We’d love to help the locals turn this into a beautiful little town, just like another Daylesford,” she says. 

The transformation of Herrmann House is a lavish retelling of its old story - unfolding as a stunning present day country haven to celebrate significant life events of love and life as well as everyday togetherness between family and friends. The 4 and a half star accomodation is not only available for brides, elopements, hens’ nights and couples, but also for private corporate meetings and small get-togethers where just the front section can be rented out, or for larger gatherings where both adjoined houses can accomodate up to 8 or 9 with a children’s rollout. 

For general accomodation or wedding package enquiries please contact Herrmann House; 

info@herrmannhouse.com.au

www.herrmannhouse.com.au 

0478 767 046