We had always imagined it was the headmaster’s cottage, the bricks were firm, but brittle, probably made with the clay onsite. It was most likely constructed in the 1870’s, a similar age to the adjacent primary school. It would’ve stood proud, the only house on the block 150 years ago.
Several additions to the house were constructed over the years, and some removed.
From the outside, it was cute, something you could give a lick of paint and put it on AirBNB.
My wife purchased the house prior to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) for $61,000, today, the median price for a 2 bedroom house in Stawell is $304,000.
Fortunately, it was the best location in Stawell, centraly located with a primary school close by, and esy walking distance to the medical centre and supermarket.
In winter it was freezing, we would have multiple doonas on our beds with a microwaved wheat heatbag. The walls and windows were growing mold, and summer it was roasting hot.
Despite how cute it was, and the memories made, it had done its job, the kids were getting to the age where they could no longer share a bedroom.
As low income earners we needed to improve our living standards but on a budget. Fortunately, we lived a frugal lifestyle, not wasting money on dining out, or movies, this allowed us to save a significant amount. However, we still holidayed regularly, we had to make memories whilst the kids were young.
Therefore there was only one solution, demolish and rebuild.
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