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“A LITTLE HISTORY OF SOMERSET SUNSET”

 

 

The original cottage was built by Alfred Kunde in the late 1880’s. The Kundes’ are a family synonymous with the Kilcoy region and many family members still own property locally. The original structure of the “Farmhouse” was connected by a covered walkway to a separate kitchen, which can still be seen under the large Moreton Bay Fig. Ironically the original seed of this tree germinated around the same time construction of the house began. She sure is a grand old lady! This walkway from the “Farmhouse” to the original “kitchen” had a wooden floor and was the venue for many community dances attended by locals during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

 

The next owners were Charlie & Jessie Gray. They lived in Kilcoy, and during their ownership the house remained unoccupied for nearly fifty years.

 

Peter & Priscilla Macmillan purchased the property in the year 2000 and carried out a loving restoration of the farmhouse over an intensive two-year period. Many original materials were used in the restoration, the ceilings in the kitchen and bathroom are actually lined with original floorboards from the verandah. The claw-foot bath and kitchen sink are also original, and the bath now occupies the position where the original wood stove had been in constant use in years gone by. The internal floors are all original. The outdoor entertaining area, now commonly known as "The Feedlot", was a later addition. The red ironbark posts were obtained from a property near Toogoolawah, and the flooring is recycled timber. There are many memorable reminders of the properties wonderful history, including the outdoor kitchen previously mentioned, the old dairy, the cattle yards made from hand-hewn timber as well as the historical wagon at the front of the property to name a few.

 

 

“Kilcoy Farmstay” was established in 2003. Steve and Leonie Shirley purchased the property in July 2005 and ran the property as the “Kilcoy Farmstay” for 12 years and welcomed thousands of guests and weddings through that time. They also made many progressive changes during this period as well. Non was more important than the relocation and renovation of the “Pool House” which was originally a resident of the Enoggera Army Base.

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In January 2017, Andrew and Candice Reibelt purchased the property after falling in love with the area. Andrew was born and raised in Roma and yearned for a little bit of home away from home closer to their base in Redcliffe. A last minute decision to attend an auction of the property led them to be the latest owners of this significant piece of local history. Since that time, they have been working at continually improving all aspects of the property, whilst retaining its important history.

 

All of the artwork on display within the property is Andrew and Candices’ and the historical garden art has all been personally sourced since their ownership commenced.

 

A goal of theirs is to give you a little trip down memory lane whilst enjoying the stunning locality and all “Somerset Sunset” has to offer.

 

One great example is the dining tables and benches in the “Feedlot”. These were custom made to join together to form a 6 meter meeting place for family and friends. The timber for these was sourced from 130 year old horse stables from Eagle Farm, a very similar vintage to the origins of our “Farm House”

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They hope you appreciate the combination of enjoying the modern luxuries and amenities but still savoring the fresh country air in a working farm environment. The properties namesake will need no explaining when you see the sun setting over the neighboring mountain which is only a short distance from the local “Deer Reserve National Park”. You might even see a stag or doe meandering down the hill amongst the cattle if you get your timing right.

 

Candice, Andrew and their family love “Somerset Sunset” like their own home and they hope you enjoy your stay and look forward to seeing you back again in the future.