FROM UGLY DUCKLING TO COUNTRY DARLING: A RENO SCHOOLER'S COTTAGE TRANSFORMATION 🏡
A 105-year-old cottage, a six-month renovation and one VERY determined Reno Schooler. Meet Clancy, the country escape that's stolen our hearts.
Some people see a tired old cottage and run for the hills.
Others see the potential for something special.
And then there's Reno School student Ally Ratcliffe, who saw a 105-year-old fixer-upper that had the tradies shaking their heads and thought, Yep. She's the one. 😍
Meet Clancy, a country cottage in southern regional NSW that's gone from ugly duckling to absolute darling, thanks to Ally, her husband Kristian and a whole lot of vision.
Think eucalyptus-green cabinetry, peach checkerboard tiles, colour-drenched bedrooms and antique treasures.
Oh, and did we mention it's an Airbnb?
A COUNTRY COTTAGE WITH A STORY TO TELL
Originally from the Southern Highlands, Ally and Kristian relocated to the Murray River region with their three children and quickly fell for the slower pace, welcoming community and character of country life.
When they discovered Clancy, a century-old cottage with beautiful bones and plenty of work ahead, they knew they'd found something special.
The plan? Transform the property into a country Airbnb.
The reality? The trades weren't immediately convinced.
"Definitely the ugly duckling renovation," laughs Ally. "Our trades were horrified when they turned up and it took a lot of convincing to get them to stay! But we knew Clancy was something special.”
Over six months, she and Kristian restored and renovated the cottage into a welcoming three-bedroom retreat, preserving the character and charm that first won them over.
BEFORE
AFTER
AN AIRBNB THAT FEELS LIKE HOME
Although Clancy was always intended as holiday accommodation, Ally hasn't designed it to feel like a typical rental. It's eclectic, welcoming and exactly the kind of place we'd love to escape to for a country weekend.
Warm, earthy tones. Collected antiques. Vintage furniture. Original architectural details. Beautiful artwork. Layers of texture and colour that give every room its own personality.
There are plenty of indulgent touches too. A beautifully appointed kitchen, luxurious new bathroom and cosy gas fireplace in the living room make switching off very easy. Country cottage charm meets modern comfort.
THE KITCHEN: A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY, A LOT OF CHARACTER
Eucalyptus-green cabinetry, antique brass finishes and peach and cream checkerboard tiles used on both the floor and splashback. A gorgeous combination of colour, texture and cottage charm.
A restored wooden chopping block serves as a small kitchen island, while a traditional sash window frames the garden and timber shelving displays treasures Ally has collected along the way.
“It’s the kind of kitchen that makes you want to cook dinner for everyone”
And we can see why. It's warm, welcoming and thoughtfully designed. The kind of kitchen that makes you want to channel your inner Nigella Lawson.
One corner is particularly special to Ally.
“From choosing the fun checkerboard tiles to styling the timber shelf with treasures collected along the way, this little part of the kitchen is full of the details I love most.”
A lovely reminder that creating a beautiful space doesn't mean buying everything new.
THREE BEDROOMS. THREE BEAUTIFUL COLOUR STORIES.
If you've ever needed convincing to be braver with paint, allow us to introduce Clancy's bedrooms.
Ally embraced full colour drenching, giving each bedroom its own personality.
Olive. Rust. Blush. 🎨
Rather than limiting colour to a feature wall, she carried it from the skirting boards to the ceilings, creating cosy, cocooning spaces.
The Flinders Green room is a standout, with deep, earthy green wrapping the entire space. Soft linen and natural textures balance the bold colour choice.
DURING
AFTER
The other bedrooms feature rich rust and soft blush tones, creating three distinct yet complementary spaces.
In the communal areas, Ally chose Antique White USA, providing a neutral backdrop that connects the colourful rooms.
Living – AFTER
Entry – BEFORE
Entry – AFTER
A BATHROOM WORTH BOOKING A WEEKEND AWAY FOR
Clancy's bathroom was one of the spaces needing the biggest transformation, and what a difference!
Soft pink tiles, warm timber and aged finishes have transformed the dated bathroom into an indulgent retreat that remains true to the cottage's character.
"We wanted to move away from the dated finishes while keeping that warm, slightly nostalgic feeling that runs through the rest of the house," explains Ally.
The result is fresh, feminine and full of charm.
EVEN THE LAUNDRY GOT THE LOVE TREATMENT
The laundry continues Clancy's earthy palette with sage-green cabinetry, antique brass tapware and peach terracotta-look floor tiles.
TileCloud's Northbridge Peach Terracotta Look Subway Tiles are laid in a herringbone pattern, adding colour and texture, while Newport Matte Bone Mixed Square Tiles create a softer, neutral splashback.
An antique brass Sydney Round Kitchen Mixer completes the look.
OLD TREASURES, NEW BEGINNINGS
As the founder and original owner of The Eco Party Co, Ally has long been passionate about sustainability and earth-friendly choices, a philosophy that guided Clancy's renovation.
“For us, it was important the renovation reflected the values we hold close; local, small and sustainable”
Rather than filling the cottage with brand-new furniture, Ally embraced Facebook Marketplace, op shops, antique stores and sustainable brands.
She also worked with local trades and businesses wherever possible, choosing quality pieces designed to last.
The result is a home filled with individuality, where old and new sit comfortably together.
A CELEBRATION OF COUNTRY CREATIVITY
Ally's commitment to supporting regional communities extends to the artwork displayed throughout Clancy.
From The Bushman by Montanna Beavis, hanging above the restored original fireplace, to Playing for Keeps by The Pink Galah, each piece brings colour and country character to the cottage.
“Supporting rural artists was important to us, celebrating the women creating beautiful work in regional communities and giving their art a place to be enjoyed by every guest who stays at Clancy,”
The artwork makes Clancy more personal while introducing guests to the creativity of regional Australian women.
A LITTLE BIT OF COUNTRY MAGIC
From its heritage red awnings and deep verandah to its eucalyptus cabinetry and galah-inspired colours, Clancy celebrates the Australian countryside.
Outside, a magnificent palm tree attracts cockatoos and kookaburras, while the verandah is the perfect spot to watch the sunrise with a morning cuppa.
Even the cottage's name has a literary connection, inspired by Banjo Paterson's much-loved bush poetry.
Fitting for a place designed to help guests slow down and enjoy country life.
THE BEAUTY OF SEEING WHAT COULD BE
What makes Ally and Kristian's renovation so inspiring isn't just the end result. It's the vision they had from the beginning.
Where others saw a tired, 105-year-old cottage and a mountain of work, they saw an opportunity.
They were brave with colour, clever with their choices and respectful of the home's history, proving that renovating doesn't have to mean erasing the past.
Photography: Georgie James and A Simple Meander
Follow Ally and her cute little cottage at @clancy.2646
FEELING INSPIRED TO TACKLE YOUR OWN UGLY DUCKLING?
Every great renovation starts with a vision and the confidence to bring it to life.
Whether you're restoring a character cottage, renovating your forever home or dreaming of your own holiday rental, Three Birds Reno School gives you the knowledge and tools to plan your renovation, make confident decisions and bring your vision to life.
