CONSTRUCTED in 1901, Keepsake Cottage on Manning Street in Tuncurry was due to be demolished and taken to the tip, causing outcry amongst the local historical society and concerned residents.
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Instead it will be transported to Darawank where new owner Andrew Payne plans to restore it to its former glory.
The deconstruction process will begin in the next few days, with transportation to its new location shortly after.
Photographer Mr Payne hopes to use the cottage as an office and gallery for his photography business and is keen to grant the public access to the cottage in future, as well as producing a brochure about its history.
"I was desperate to preserve this very important building, and Council has been fantastic in making sure this is what happened" said Mr Payne.
Previous owners Harley and Ina Longbottom are planning to put the soon-to-be vacant land up for sale. To date, no development applications for future redevelopment of the vacant site have been received by Great Lakes Council.
Great Lakes Mayor Jan McWilliams is proud of council's involvement in the deal.
"Council's involvement was to help achieve an outcome where we persuaded the previous owner to not take the cottage to the tip. It was important to preserve this piece of Tuncurry's history, and we are grateful for the co-operation of both the previous and new owners."
Keepsake Cottage has long been a prominent and iconic reminder of the area’s history and is the only remaining example of its type in Tuncurry. The cottage has heritage significance given its early links to the Wright family mill and shipyard, the Fazio family and as the location of one of the first shops in Tuncurry.
The cottage is also of historical significance because of the materials used for its construction. These include timber and sandstone which have been linked to the wreck of the Empress of India and other historic ships.
