George and Cornelia Harvey arrived from Somerset in 1856, and their cob cottage was built in 1858 - 59.  It was thatched originally, then roofed with iron about 1880.

Restoration started in 1989.  Drainage was installed around the exterior perimeter of the cottage, a collapsed wall was rebuilt and holes filled in.  The chimney and fireplace were also repaired.

The roof was thatched by a German craftsman, Norbert Kleinschmidt, in 1991, using  Tall Fescue grass which was harvested, cleaned and dried.

In 1992 the walls were painted with lime plaster, tinted with yellow ochre.  The plaster was a mixture of rock quick lime, salt, water and beef tallow.  The floor in the living rooms was surfaced with a mixture of equal parts lime, clay and ashes.

The cottage is furnished and is dedicated to the British and German settlers of the Moutere District.

The cottage is open for viewing at all times.  Donations are extremely welcome - there is a donation drop-off inside the front gate.

Please contact Eileen Harvey-Thawley for more information, or to reserve the grounds for a wedding       (a fee/donation will be negotiated).                                   Ph/fax (03) 540 2781