Bellevarde Constructions has been recognised for transforming the iconic Wollondibby stone cottage, securing two of Australia’s most coveted building awards.

The cottage, known as McEvoy cottage, is the sole surviving stone building from the first European settlement in the district and a beloved landmark along the Alpine Way.

Bellevarde Constructions claimed the 2025 Master Builders Association Southern NSW Award for Historic Restoration – Under $500,000 and 2025 Housing Industry Association (HIA) ACT/Southern NSW Heritage Renovation Up to $1 Million Award for its work on the 1855 cottage.

Bellevarde founder, John Fielding, said the accolades recognise the team’s commitment to preserving the cottage’s historical character while delivering contemporary comfort and longevity.

“Everyone in the Snowy community knows this building and every visitor to the Snowies passes by it,” Mr Fielding said.

“It’s a piece of our shared history. We’re immensely proud to have breathed new life into it, ensuring it stands strong for another 170 years.”

Built from local stone with a rustic post-and-beam frame, large fireplace, and mud-bonded walls, the modest 7.4m x 3.7m structure had deteriorated over decades of alpine exposure.

Bellevarde’s restoration, in collaboration with Ivan Pasalich of Dabyne Planning, architect, Vince Myson, of Myson and Berkery, and Jillian Harrison Christie (on behalf of the Harrison family), addressed critical structural issues – including a bowed front wall stabilised by a hidden concrete ring beam – while honouring heritage principles.

Key features include:

• Hand-nailed timber ceilings with repurposed adzed beams

• External lime mortar repointing and internal lime plastering to allow the walls to ‘breathe’

• Bespoke 80kg ledged-and-braced timber doors with custom ironmongery

• Polished concrete floors and custom joinery from seasoned hardwoods

• Innovative details like a sculpted granite bathroom exhaust and a recycled sheep feeder wood store

Site manager, Steve O’Ryan, and Mr Fielding led a skilled team of stonemasons, lime plasterers, and carpenters through challenging winter conditions, delivering meticulous craftsmanship that preserved the cottage’s ‘primitive yet sophisticated’ essence.

Mr Myson praised Bellevarde’s expertise.

“Despite being my smallest project with them, it received the same rigorous investigation and execution as always. Their deep understanding of construction principles ensured durability without erasing the building’s rakish charm,” he said.

The Harrison family, who have held the property for more than 50 years, are pleased the restoration honours Mary McEvoy – the first European woman to cross the Snowy River and settle in the area.

Mary’s stone farmhouse (its foundation stones still nearby) served as the Wollindibby Inn during the Kiandra gold rush, welcoming travellers with legendary hospitality amid massive stone chimneys, bark ceilings, and a kitchen fire said to have been kept alight for 75 years.

“Bellevarde embraced our vision with passion and precision. The cottage is now a fully equipped, year-round retreat, booked solid during ski season. It’s a milestone we’re all thrilled with,” the Harrison family said.

The renovated cottage has become a popular holiday destination, with family, guests, and heritage experts marvelling at its transformation – affirmed at a reveal party attended by McEvoy’s relatives and locals.