Restoration - King Island
When we first walked into Yambacoona House, it wasn’t just a building – it was full of stories waiting – for us to return.
The ocean breeze moved through the old timber like breath. The light fell across the floors in that soft King Island way, and even in its distressed state, the house had presence. It had history. It had heart – and stories. But more than anything, it had potential — for us, and for the people who would one day stay here.
People like you.
Forgotten Australia
We didn’t want to “modernise” Yambacoona House. We wanted to bring it back to itself. To resurect a piece of forgotten Australia – for Yambacoona House reclaim its place in the heart of King Island country.
King Island has a way of stripping things back to what matters – weather, land, people, stories.
Every decision was made with one question in mind: “How will this feel when our guests walk through the door?”
By Island Hands
Much of the restoration work was done by King Islanders — people who understand the climate, the materials, the history, and the rhythm of Yambacoona House.
You’ll feel it in the details:
- The way the timber floors feel under your feet
- The windows frame the changing light
- The fire raging on a cool night
- The the summer breeze through the open doors
This isn’t a show home. It’s a lived‑in, loved‑in island home — restored with love, and respect for the past and the future.
Turangawaewae! Our Family - Your Family
Turangawaewae – a word from the Maori world in New Zealand meaning a place of meaning, stories and your people.
This was a wild story. A family returning. A home waking up. A place rebuilt with love, sweat, and a stubborn belief in what it could become.
And now, when you stay here, you step into that story.
You become part of the return. Part of the Yambacoona House story. Part of the island and your people in this place.
Restoration Australia - The Episode
Restoration Australia filmed the restoration and the episode was broadcast in May 2024.
The cameras followed the real work — the long days, the camp ground in the yard, the weather, the setbacks, the small victories, the many defeats. It showed the island as it truly is: wild, honest, and beautiful. And it showed our family doing what King Islanders do best:
Rolling up our sleeves. Figuring things out. Restoring something worth saving.
This wasn’t just about the transformation of a building, but the return of a family to a place that called them home.
Play, Stay and Relax
Stay
A restored heritage home designed for comfort, connection, and calm.
Play
Golf, beaches, food, adventure — King Island is yours to explore.
Relax
Slow down, breathe deeply, and let the island do the rest.
Copyright Acknowledgment
Adaption and republication of this article is thanks to Pam Rolley and Font Publishing, owner of the King Island Courier.
