Old Moruya Post Office transformed into captivating boutique accommodation

COVID led Sue and Michael Franklin to become the new owners of the old Moruya Post Office in 2020 and run it as a boutique bed and breakfast.

Born and bred in Canberra, the former public servants had just retired. “It was winter in Canberra, and we were cold and grumpy,” Sue says.

Sue had long been keen to move to the coast because she loved the climate and beach. She came across the historic property while browsing real estate online. “It had been on the market for two years,” Sue says. “We came and looked at it the next weekend and that was it.”

The old post office had been run as a traditional bed and breakfast by the previous owner of 17 years. But work was needed and Sue and Michael closed it for four months to get much of the renovation done.

“A lot of the local tradies weren’t travelling because of COVID so they became available. We felt so lucky to be here in this community during that time,” Sue says.

The post office was built in 1887 and did double duty as the home of the postmaster’s family.

“The postmaster was an important role in the community,” she says. “It was an imposing building and away from the main street in the expectation the CBD would expand.”

While that didn’t eventuate, an extension was added in 1920 because the town was expanding.

The building has solid foundations, made from the same granite used to build the pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge. The iron bark floorboards have stood the test of time, while walking up the cedar staircase it is clear the treads have borne the foot traffic of families for more than a century.

The ceilings, architraves, skirting boards, solid doors, arched windows, and marble and tiled fireplaces have been meticulously restored. Other original period detail includes the VR embellishment in the cast iron verandah upstairs denoting it was built in the reign of Queen Victoria.

Sue and Michael have preserved all this while undertaking a transformative renovation. They needed the permission of Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Heritage office given the building’s local listing.

“The heritage consultant was very supportive of what we were trying to do,” Michael says.

Replacing the galvanised tin roof, that was beyond patching, became a major task. “In wet weather there would be rain coming down most of the fireplaces,” Sue says.

When they took down an internal wall to make the kitchen bigger, the pair discovered electrical work was required and rising damp demanded attention.

One of the most obvious changes is the colour scheme, inside and out.

“It had a late Victorian colour palette which is very tired,” Sue says. “We have tried to lighten it.”

They also removed the heavy velvet curtains that blocked considerable daylight.

The keen gardeners have made their mark on the garden too.

“The heritage consultant was keen for us to open up the garden,” Sue says. “We have streamlined it, so it doesn’t distract from the building.”

They have created a series of outdoor rooms, influenced by the six years they worked in France.

Previous owners left some information about the building’s history while Sue and Michael did further research at the Moruya & District Historical Society to add to their website. Local woman, Shirley Jurmann nee Louttit, author of several local histories, also wrote a booklet detailing the property’s story after she came to stay.

Sue and Michael have met families who had lived there, as well as locals who knew it as a post office.

Replaced in about 1996, the old post office was then bought by a couple who did the main renovation and ran it as an Airbnb from a distance. Sue and Michael are the building’s third owners since it ended its postal service.

“You aren’t quite sure how people are going to react as we were making a lot of changes to the facade,” Michael says. “It was traditional heritage colours, and it can be quite confronting.”

But it has been well accepted. “People driving by, roll down their windows and say it looks great,” he says.

The renovation is equally popular with guests, many of whom are repeat visitors who come to Moruya for business.

Sue says they’re drawn by the charm and character of the heritage building. “Especially after COVID, people were after something different. People comment on the relaxation, heritage and luxury.”

You won’t find Post & Telegraph Moruya on any platforms such as Stayz or Airbnb. It only takes direct bookings, keeping it personal and part of the boutique experience.

Post & Telegraph is located at 52 Campbell Street, Moruya. To make a booking or find out more, head to their website.