Kandos – Page 13 – CONVENT AND CHAPEL

Convent Makeover Part II

Published on July 22, 2013July 22, 2013 by conventandchapel2 Comments

When I first thought of a country property, one of my key requirements was ‘No Work Required’. I’m not sure how I missed this with the Convent but tend to think it was price, the Convent, the area and falling in love. Anyway, it has put me into the unfamiliar territory of a complete renovation – and lots and lots of decisions.

Even the old bathroom looks so much better

At this point I’d have to qualify that most of the work is purely cosmetic. The building itself is very solid and in good condition. And whilst it was purpose-built as a Convent, it is currently very practical, whether for me and family/friends or for commercial purposes. I’m not building or knocking anything down. For the most part, I am working with the current building, layout and infrastructure. The changes are mainly more of a cosmetic nature, but that is still significant.

I’ve been lucky in my tradies. Being in the country is a totally different dynamic. The downside is:

there is a limited marketplace. This is a small town and some tradies come from Mudgee which they regard almost as a different state and can charge a travelling fee. It’s maybe 40 minutes which is nothing in Sydney but in rural terms when you don’t need to travel, can add significantly to cost.
Good tradies are well-known and busy. They are in significant demand so queue up and be prepared to follow up. If you need something very specialised, you may struggle or need to compromise. Don’t get too trendy.

The upside well outweighs the negatives:

If you get a tradie by word of mouth, they will be keen to please. They know their business depends on reputation, referral and existing business (that’s why they are so busy in the first place). It’s a small community and word travels fast.
They are locals/neighbours and likely to be your friends in the future and want referrals from you – they genuinely care that you are happy with the job, you like them and can look each other in the face in future.
For the Convent, they often have a connection or value the building so are keen to do a job that is sustainable and they are aware that it will be public and often have strong views themselves as to how things should be done.
In the country, you don’t pay Sydney prices. Whilst the locals may think as a small town they get charged highly as tradies travel (there’s what’s known as a ‘Mudgee tax’ if you utilise goods and services from Mudgee) it’s not Sydney prices for labour.

Of course the Chapel gets special treatment

Carpet for the bedrooms. Polished boards for the rest.

For me, this renovation is a quantum leap and has been made so much easier by having local tradespeople that have been so open in helping and suggesting solutions, which are often outside their special expertise. I’m finding that much of 30 years of corporate life of building relationships with trusted suppliers who understand the value of sustainable relationships, understanding clients and long term relationships works the same in the country. In fact, when corporations seek “a consistent quality client experience”, they are just trying to corporatise the best of what local businesses who understand relationships consistently deliver as a matter of course. In corporate land we sometimes forget this – this is the source of the service experience we seek to deliver.

Anyway, so far I have been so happy with the people who are helping me with the Convent. This week I’ve locked in carpets and curtains, major decisions but ones I am very happy with. It’s all very daunting, particularly whilst managing a job back in Sydney and a Sydney property that will have another future… but exciting and rewarding as well.

Coming up well - the end bedroom known as 'Her Mother Superior's Room' or in latter stages — Coming up well – the end bedroom known as ‘Her Mother Superior’s Room’ or, in latter stages, ‘The Bishop’s Room’

Welcome to the Spring Convent Retreat

Published on July 15, 2013July 15, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

The Convent will welcome back its regular visitors for a particularly special retreat (Friday 20 – Monday 23 September) as we celebrate a Southern Hemisphere astronomical Spring and our version of Spring Equinox over the extended weekend.

I’m hoping this will be a very special weekend for friends who have seen the Convent through from an aspiration to reality and beyond as the Convent becomes both a home to me and a welcome retreat for friends. This stay should be a little more luxurious as hopefully we will be painted and with flooring. I make no promise of having the place furnished but can offer bedrooms for guests.

For those who have more flexibility, you are welcome to stay as long as you like. However I would like you to go home some time.

Further details will issue on the itinerary, travel arrangements, workshops, work duties, menu and accompanying activities for the retreat.

The Convent Gets a Make-over Part I

Published on July 15, 2013July 22, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Painting gear set up in the Chapel. The Mission brown has already been painted out from the stained glass windows. This is just an undercoat.

The old girl hasn’t really had much attention for many decades. A lick of paint from time to time in some rooms and a few low key renovations to suit changing needs of Church inhabitants. But no serious updates.

Her time has now come. And it’s not one of those reality-type challenges. Some of the work will happen over the next year or two (like the kitchen), but the main work is being done now. The exterior of the building is a textured concrete painted a traditional ochre and is in good condition, but the timber work, fascias, columns and detailing are all very shabby and being restored, which is much more than a quick paint job.

The inside is being painted from head to toe – every room. As well as being well sanded back, having all the cracks repaired and the dark timber painted out. The floors currently have every carpet imaginable on them – every room is different and sometimes there are many layers (some of which I have kept for posterity). Whilst I keep being told it will be cold, I’m getting all the floorboards bar the bedrooms polished whilst the bedrooms will be carpeted. I tend to think that lots of rugs and runners will give the place more character and cover the warmth aspect. There’s also the possibility that to warm rooms, you can always put a heater on and shut the door! I won’t be trying to warm this whole house at once.

The painters have now moved in – and with a vengeance. Stott’s are based at Mudgee and have quite a team which means that once they start, they can put quite a few people on and just go gangbusters, rather than stop and start with multiple jobs on the go. The work only started this week and I can see heaps of progress – mainly just in preparation, gap filling, undercoating out all the ‘mission brown’ woodwork, which is making the place look lighter and more modern already.

The boys are only working on one half of the building (not the section I’m living in) so there isn’t much disruption yet, particularly now I have the plumbing working again down my end of the house! I’m sure it won’t stay that way for long (the painting, not the plumbing, hopefully!). Anyway, I’m looking at at least three more weeks of painting inside then the floors are booked in. …then come the curtains. After the floors are done, the plan is to actually move in some furniture which will be exciting and let me clean up the Sydney home to get it on the market!

A new stage begins …

Rylstone Woodfired Bakery

Published on July 3, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

What a little gem. This Bakery nestles on the main street of Rylstone has some of the tastiest bread, yummy pies and evil slices.

http://www.rylstonewoodfiredbakery.com.au

Spanish Onion and Olive - my favourite — Spanish Onion and Olive – my favourite

Roast Vegetables - a meal in itself — Roast Vegetables – a meal in itself

My houseguests often get to enjoy the pull-aparts which seem to have as much filling as bread. My favourite is the Spanish Onion and Olive, although the Roast Veg is also amazing. I’m yet to sample the Bacon and Cheese or Fetta and Spinach.

The rich slices (chocolate with mint, caramel or cherry ripe fillings or the baked apple) can each easily provide four serves and are way generous with the fillings. And, whilst I have had limited exposure to the pies, the traditional meat ones have been easily consumed.

Such a treat finding a place like this around the corner. And yes, it is a wood-fired bakery with beautiful sourdough, ciabatta and many other wonderful breads and treats.

Generous slices - here is caramel and mint although I can also recommend cherry ripe — Generous slices – here is caramel and mint although I can also recommend cherry ripe

Rural Churches

Published on July 1, 2013July 1, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

My Church out the back - St Dominic's — My Church out the back – St Dominic’s

Since being in the country, I’ve become far more aware of the importance of churches locally. They play a large role in adding to the local fabric of society – and much more than spiritually. Many social networks and activities revolve around the church and they also continue to provide a safety net for the disadvantaged – as they have always done and well before social services were envisaged. Many of the churches have integrated themselves into the local community by offering venues for a wide variety of non-church activities – one of the primary ones being hosting local markets. Every weekend in Mudgee seems to be a different style market often held at one of the churches.

http://www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au/WhatsOn/community-markets#.UcD7Y_lvD_M

The churches themselves are so varied. From little modest weatherboards to impressive cathedrals. Here are a few from the area.

St Margaret's - the "parent church" - at Mudgee — St Margaret’s – the “parent church” – at Mudgee

The most impressive would have to be St Margaret’s, Mudgee with its recently repolished copper spire. This is the Convent’s “parent” church and hosts the Farmer’s Market every third Saturday in its spacious grounds. The Rectory is also a beautiful sandstone building. You can’t see it in the picture, but St Mary’s also has a Grotto – just not quite as nice as mine 🙂 The other related Catholic church is St Malachy’s at Rylstone, which is a pretty sandstone church on the main street.

Havilah, tucked away on Lue Road, the back way to Mudgee

One of the most picturesque in the area has to be Havilah which is an old stone church tucked away in the countryside just past Lue on the way to Mudgee. When I drove in, a large kangaroo was quietly grazing. The headstones bear testimony to harder times, recording the deaths of toddlers in the area.

Some of the churches are very modest. Some have also been taken over by other spiritual or religious groups and I’m sure some have been turned into private homes. An old sandstone church is on the market currently in Rylstone. Below is a quirky church I passed in Bylong Valley. Not sure of the background but I’m sure the services would be less traditional.

Not sure of the minister or congregation for this one, but it looks interesting

The Mid Western region has an eclectic mix of the old wealthy grazier economy as well as more industrial/mining industry which is reflected in the vast range of architecture.

Just finishing this post off with ‘my’ church, pictured at the top, St Dominic’s,which frames the view from my backyard. Built in the early 1900’s, it reflects a ‘worker’s church’ and was originally a school by weekday and church on weekends. Whilst not an elaborate church, it has enormous charm and is just lovely inside. I feel it is representative of the town of Kandos, although I’m probably biased.

Yum Yum

Published on June 10, 2013June 25, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

One of my favourite places for Yum Cha – and that includes Sydney – is 28 Nine 99 – an unexpected Yum Cha delight in Rylstone.

My favourite - black sticky rice with coconut — My favourite – black sticky rice with coconut

Nestled in the charmingly restored historic Bridgeview Inn is what initially appears to be a small shop with delightful gifts, including exotic scarves and enticing Chinese teapots and cups. It houses a wonderful Yum Cha house owned by the equally wonderful and delightful Na Lan. Forget laden trolleys lurching around piled high with bamboo steamers. Here you get to select from a broad variety of dumplings. My friends and I usually opt for the selection of 8 mixed with an additional ‘special’ piece which for me is always the Black Sticky Rice with Coconut. There’s also a pot of tea from a wide choice but I never go past the Oolong.

The shop can cater for a surprising number of people with a back courtyard, the gallery and even tables in the Community Garden out the back where you can wander to examine the locally grown veg. I’d encourage you to book before going, particularly for Sunday lunch.

For a great review, read Not Quite Nigella

http://www.notquitenigella.com/2012/04/05/the-art-of-dumplings-29-nine-99-rylstone/

Contact details are

88 Louee Street, Rylstone NSW 2849
Tel: +61 (02) 6379 1984

The Deltones in Kandos

Published on June 5, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

What a surprise!
Have a quick tour around Kandos – some of the highlights include the Rotunda, the Railway Station, Railway Hotel and the old Bucket Way.

Better than U2 or Coldplay!

A Facelift for the Nunnery

Published on May 18, 2013July 22, 2013 by conventandchapelLeave a comment

Beautiful detailing above the fireplaces

Much like me, the Convent is in need of some TLC. Whilst she is in good shape structurally (unlike me), there has been little care taken cosmetically over the years. She has beautiful arches, character windows, the niches and fireplaces, picture rails and of course, the Chapel with its lovely detailed stained glass and leadlight windows. However the paintwork is shabby and peeling, false fibro walls and cheap office type ceilings have been put in some rooms and every floorcovering imaginable has been used. There has also been little importance placed on comfort, let alone luxury. The fireplaces have been blocked off and for heating, there are two old wall heaters in rooms and no air conditioning. Old porches have been closed in (not by tradesmen, by the look of it) and some makeshift walls put in place.

Now settlement has finally taken place, it’s time to get stuck into bringing the old girl back to her former glory. The building is best described as being a ‘U’ shape – with a long central hall and two wings. The left wing is the main back entry via the laundry, with the master bedroom with an ensuite and a large middle room which is destined to be my kitchen in the future. This hall goes through to the lounge room. The central hall accesses the dining room, the front foyer, the future kitchen, and 3 potential bedrooms and leads to the right wing which houses the chapel, the main bathroom and another bedroom. Given it was built as a Convent, there are up to 6 rooms which could be bedrooms. Some alterations have taken out walls and changed layout, for example the big old kitchen and dining room was changed to be the master bedroom and ensuite, providing a small separate living area when the priest moved in. There is an ensuite, two separate toilets and a bathroom which is in its original 1930 style.

There are a few small rooms like the sacristy and utility room and some of the bedrooms are not overly generous, but at the same time, there are heaps of rooms. There are many external doors although I think I’ve finally worked out the keys. Initially it is a bit of a rabbit warren until you work out the U shape and then it makes sense.

A small galley kitchen replaced the original kitchen out the back. A new kitchen will be relocated in another room.

An enclosed porch - destined for removal — An enclosed porch – destined for removal

The bedrooms were called ‘cells’ and still have numbers over them. Some of the changes, such as partitioning off rooms, closing in fireplaces and dropping in false ceilings will be reversed as I get the place back closer to original condition. This work has already started in earnest and painting quotes for inside and out have been approved. Next will be sanding and polishing the floors (which I believe are tongue and groove cyprus pine and are currently covered in multiple layers of lino, underlay and carpet). Bedrooms will be carpeted for warmth.

There’s a lot to do, but the local tradies have been helpful and interested, so I’m hoping that by the end of quarter three most of the major work will be done.

Until the painting and floors are done, I’m holding off furniture and currently ‘camping’ on an air bed, sitting on cane furniture that is destined for the porches and my dining table and chairs are a card table and vinyl fold up chairs from Bunnings – basic but fine for now.

The initial renovations of taking out the false arches and partitions have already made a great difference. I’m looking forward to the next stage, albeit somewhat daunting.

The original laundry complete with concrete tubs

Cementa13 – A Contemporary Arts Festival Held in Kandos

Published on February 12, 2013July 9, 2013 by conventandchapel1 Comment

From February 1 – 4 this year, a contemporary arts festival took over Kandos – 4 days and 4 nights with over 40 artists.

As described by the organisers:
Cementa_13 is a biennial contemporary arts festival taking place in the post-industrial town of Kandos NSW. Over forty artists will exhibit video, installation, sound, 2d and 3d artworks in venues and locations across the town. Venues will include shop fronts, vacant lots, a disused school, scout hall, local pub, the local museum, golf-course, people’s homes, the surrounding bushlands, etc. The work will address the identity, history, and current social, environmental and economic context of the town. Both walking and cycling tours will be given every day of the festival, introducing audiences to the town, along a route that will incorporate all of the major exhibitions, emphasizing environmentally sound modes of transport. In addition, there will be specialised tours including an edible weed tour of the surrounding country, a bicycle tour by ARTcycle inc. of local bushland, an escarpment hike and a winery tour.

The Convent played its own role hosting seven artists both inside and outside. Some Convent highlights included Sarah Goffman’s Japanese Tea House, The Chapel of Rubber by Starrs and Cmielewski and Sarah Breen Lovett’s Openings.

Sarah Goffman entertaining the tea drinkers

Tea House drawing — Tea house at the Convent sketch by Sarah Goffman