As a Level 1 Building Certifier, Sandra Sear approves many projects from the homely backyard garden shed, to fabulous family homes, funky industrial warehouses and towering, modern multi-storey commercial buildings and beyond. It is wonderful to be a part of the creation process of the current landscapes of South-East Queensland. It is not too often, however, that she, and the TSC team, have the opportunity to be involved in certifying a piece of Gold Coast History and are so proud to be part of the journey of ‘The Ferryman’s Retreat’.
Now calling the beautiful Bonogin Hinterland home, ‘The Ferryman’s Retreat’ has humble beginnings as the home of the Ferryman who serviced the River Crossing at Coomera River. Owner, Bree, was happy to share the cottage’s story with us.
Owner Bree – “Although modest in size, at just over 80m2, this little building was important in its day. It assisted in travel for every journeyman and holiday maker, each wagon load and overflowing bus of merry makers headed for the coast until the building of the bridge commenced in 1928 and the need for a ferry had passed. The bridge, still in use today, was completed and opened in June 1930. In the photograph below marking the day, you can just make out the gables of the cottage on the distant bank. According to the architect (based on the size of the joists), The Ferryman’s Retreat, was built between 1890-1905. This rough date fits with the story of its origins.”
Bree was lucky enough to make contact online with the great granddaughter of Mr James Whalley, the Coomera River’s last ferryman.
“She told me the story of her three great uncles and grandfather, who went off to war and how astoundingly, all four returned. One was even a POW after the fall of Singapore and still managed to make it home. The brothers slept on the indoor porch and worked at the local fishery whilst they got back on their feet. I like to imagine them there, sleeping safely undercover and well away from the turmoil of war. This is just one of the stories that surround my little house.”
This little cottage has been extremely lucky to have an owner like Bree who saw the potential, and it seems, simply fell in love with it.
“I found the cottage online and visited it where it had sat for over two years in a holding bay. It was most definitely in a sorry state, complete with a rat nest and gaping chimney flue hole. Although not an easy process, the moving of the house which fit on the back of a truck in one piece, was most gratifying. I feel I’ve created a beautiful forever home up on our family property in Bonogin. I’ve learned a thing or two along the way and can honestly say it was worth it. With its tall ceilings, lovely large sash windows, wooden floor and surprisingly open-plan layout, The Ferryman’s Retreat has much to offer after 120 odd years of existence. I’m looking forward to the next 40!”
Bree has definitely had a labour of love project on her hands and should be so proud of the work involved in bringing a, now gorgeous, piece of the Gold Coast back to life. She kindly imparted these following words of advice, if you seek to undertake a fabulous restoration like ‘The Ferryman’s Retreat’.
“My advice to anyone considering moving an old house would be to keep asking questions, dream big and be prepared as much as possible. Be prepared to talk, scrounge, sand, request documents, paint, scrub, hammer, polish, re-polish, measure in mm, break, find and engineer. Be prepared to lose sleep, to take certain things in your stride and most of all be prepared to be impressed by what you are now capable of. You’ll know the difference between a Form12 and a Form 16, you’ll know what P gravel refers to and what an MCU is. You’ll know what a Geotech Engineer does, why an energy efficiency number is important and be grateful your BAL rating isn’t up near the 40 mark. You’ll even pray for a stiff wind to test that N3 cyclone tie down you did…maybe. You’ll lose some weight, gain some arm muscle definition and see the value in a decent power tool. You’ll need assistance and lots of it! Find the right people
to help you (such as the folks at Thomas Sear Certification) and you have the ingredients for a successful project.”
The team at Thomas Sear Certification love the variation of projects we come across in our line of work and are so happy to help owners achieve completion of their dream projects, while ensuring their builds are safe and meet compliance for them to work, live and play in – now and well into the future.
Bree, we wish you many years of happiness living in “The Ferryman’s Retreat”, adding to the many memories a building of its age holds, and thank you for sharing your wonderful project story and photos with us all.
Big dream projects (or even simple, practical projects) often need help and guidance with ensuring they meet all necessary legislation requirements for the build and our team are excited to help.
Thomas Sear Certification are excited to be a part of ensuring our Gold Coast History.
If you require a knowledgeable and highly qualified Building Certifier for your project, feel free to contact us at mail@tscgroup.com.au or phone us on 07 5562 1111.
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