Callander Constructions completes restoration of historic Mudgee property Bleak House

Renovation restores Mudgee’s oldest residence to its former glory, pairing old-world charm with modern luxury

Award-winning Mudgee design and construction company, Callander Constructions, has completed the million-dollar renovation and restoration of historic Mudgee homestead, Bleak House.

The project, which took more than three years to complete, saw Callander Constructions undertake all the design and construction work, including the restoration of many of the property’s period features, along with the addition of new spaces.

Bleak House is a circa-1860 heritage-listed gem, located just a stone’s throw from Mudgee CBD.

One of the oldest and grandest houses in the Central West town, Bleak House was originally built by the Blackman family, who were some of Mudgee’s earliest settlers. Across its lifetime, the property has been used as a boarding house, accommodation for munitions’ workers during World War II and as a bed and breakfast in its later years.

Callander Constructions was first tasked with revitalising Bleak House in 2021, with a brief to return the home to its former glory, while seamlessly integrating modern elegance.

Preserving the property’s rich history was at the forefront of the entire design and construction process.

The Callander Constructions team undertook expert work on-site to restore the home’s original character, while protecting it for the future, including skilfully handcrafting damaged/missing cornices across the property, and installing laminated veneer lumber beams alongside the home’s original joists.

Intricate work was undertaken to introduce three large openings into the property’s six-course-thick exterior brickwork. This process, executed in collaboration with local engineers, ensured the stability of the home’s towering 10-metre-high chimney, preserving one of its defining features.

The property’s original grand lobby was also given new life, with striking black-and-white checkerboard marble flooring that extends into the kitchen, pantry and laundry. The kitchen was also lovingly restored, courtesy of dark navy cabinetry that contrasts with the walnut finishes of the island joinery.

The outdoor wrap-around verandah - another key feature - was rebuilt on three sides of the home, using red ironbark decking that seamlessly complements the interior flooring. This inviting outdoor space now provides year-round al fresco dining and connects the home to its natural surroundings.

A newly designed extension harmoniously ties the old and the new, creating a cohesive, breath-taking living space, along with two luxurious en-suites and a master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe upstairs. The new addition includes lush marble tiles and period-sympathetic fixtures and fittings, designed to perfectly blend heritage with modernity.

Callander Constructions founder and lead, Richie Callander, said: “The successful completion of Bleak House is a testament to the strong synergy between our team and the client. Together, we’ve transformed this damp, deteriorating property into a stunning family home that celebates craftsmanship, heritage preservation and modern sophistication.

“We are thrilled with the finished product - every element of this project has been carefully designed and executed to maintain the property’s strong heritage, while taking it into the modern world. We’re so happy to see this important piece of Mudgee’s history restored to its former glory.”

The Bleak House project is the latest in a series of large-scale design and construction builds, executed by the award-winning Callander Constructions team. The company was also responsible for the building work on Gawthorne’s Hut - rated one of the best AirBnB stays in the world - and the heritage design and renovation of historical property, Lauralla.