How a Historic Estate Was Transformed into a Cozy Cottage

The owners of this estate, Norma and Georgy Bolito, moved in when the house was nearly in ruins. The couple spent four years renovating it inside and out. They replaced everything — from insulation to the roof — and even restored a one-hectare garden.

For every task completed, two more emerged.

They kept the original layout to preserve the long corridors.

The interior was designed in a country style — without harsh contrasts but full of pastel tones: olive and sand. The materials include wood, marble (used in the kitchen), silk, and cotton.

Some of the furniture was bought at auctions — for example, the kitchen island. The couple chose not to fully restore it and kept the cracks and wear — they give the interior its unique character. The island’s countertop, however, is made of marble.

In the bedroom, they left a decorative fireplace — it adds warmth to the interior and reminds that this is more than just a house, but a historic estate.

The hallway features 19th-century antique furniture. One of the walls is decorated with a portrait of a woman painted by an unknown Tasmanian artist. Even the framed image on the dresser is from a French magazine of that era.

The couple’s favorite spot is the wide veranda, offering a stunning view of sunset over the Lac Lan valley.