Milnathort Cottage

BOOKINGS OPEN AT 12 PM ON THURSDAY, 8 FEBURARY 2024

Architect/s: Unknown (1888)

This is a project to save heritage farm buildings through relocation.

Built for Peter and Alice Murdoch in the mid-1880s on land at 819 Richmond Road, Milnathort’s timber buildings contributed to a significant farm. The property provided employment for local farm workers and house keepers, producing crops, fruit and sheep. Peter Murdoch was a grandson of Dr James Murdoch who established nearby Craigow Estate.

Subdivided following the death of their children, the remaining farm was purchased by Maguire and Co for a whiskey distillery development designed by Cumulus Studio, which commenced construction in 2023. The contemporary design and positioning of the new distillery on the property required demolition of the existing farmhouse and 11 outbuildings.

To preserve significant local history, Maguire and Co partnered with neighbour, Noel Frankham, to relocate the house and five outbuildings to a block 400 meters away, up the hill at George Street, Dulcot. Two other sheds were also relocated within the district, while three others were demolished having been harvested by Frankham for reusable materials. Five sheds were relocated to George Street in August 2023 and the house followed in January 2024.

Open: Sunday 25 February, 1 pm – 4 pm

Note: This is a general open; however, you must register to attend the property.

The Open House Richmond experience: Presented as a work in progress, the house and sheds will be open for visitors with stories of their past and their preparation for relocation – and subsequent renovation. Noel Frankham collected numerous items from the old farm buildings, which will be displayed in farm sheds on their new site. May Murdoch was an amateur artist as well as a farmer. Several of her paintings will be presented as a small exhibition for Open House Richmond.