Craig Brown originally from Adelaide, on a surfing trip to the West Coast in 1989, discovered the Mt Dutton Bay Woolshed, in its bad state of repair, purely by chance.  Being Heritage listed but untouched by any restoration Craig felt compelled to save the ‘woolshed’ from further ruin, and made purchase of the property in early 1990.

Shortly after, fate had it that Craig met Jacqui, a local girl, born and bred within the district.  Both shared the same passion and love of Australia’s Heritage along with the vision shared of full restoration of the ‘Woolshed’.

The ‘Shearer’s Quarters’ (now known as the ‘Cottage’) was restored before the Woolshed because the Quarters was to be their home.  This was the ‘beginning’ of the project.  Craig was taught the art of ‘stone masonry’ by a local stone mason Norm Stringer (pictured above with Craig), for one week, after which he developed his own style, similar to the existing stonework.  The Cottage took just over six months to restore and was completed in 1992.

From 1992 the Woolshed ‘Store shed’ was next to be tackled.  New stone from the district was used to replace much of the eastern side of the Store shed and new flooring replaced as was the roofing.  The restoration work took almost 1 year full time.  At this stage many functions were held as well as the first Easter Craft Festival.  It was a time of humble beginnings. 

During 1995 and 1996, Craig & Jacqui spent all of their time building their own stone house, which was near where the original ‘homestead’ existed.  When completed they moved out of the Cottage, which became open to the public as Cottage Bed & Breakfast accommodation.