Gazing out at the trees and birds on the back deck of Julatten House is probably the most perfect synthesis of old and new a visitor to Cairns could ever hope to experience.

The "old" is the cottage itself, ripped from time and disrepair from Julatten, a hamlet on the coast between Port Douglas and Mossman that is as far away from the leafy canopies of the Cairns Highlands as it’s possible to imagine.

The early 20th century cottage was relocated and then completely refurbished as a labour of love by the owners of Herberton Historic Village, Craig and Connie Kimberley. Julatten House is located within Herberton Historic Village itself, neatly completing the metaphor – a historic house that’s been relocated in a "new" village.

The enjoyment of Julatten House probably stems from the contrast of the old and the new. 

The "new" is also in the shmicko back deck complete with enamel-plate barbecue and the fact that you can enjoy ice-cold bubbles on the verandah and toast the kookaburras with a baguette.

It’s a far cry from the monk-like existence of a Herberton tin miner whose hut was lined by sacking, his favourite (and only) chair also just an old sack between two sticks and his "stove" a few pots on top of charcoal!

The interior reveals an understated shabby chic feel with a feminine touch.

Soothing heritage colours have been chosen to complement the historic feel.

The two-bedroom cottage is luxuriously accommodating with king and queen-sized beds and even the bedding adds to the luxe treatment.

That pampering experience is brought to the wriggly tin-lined bathroom, with its stand alone bath and large shower with Aesop products, an exceptional Australian skincare brand.

Self-catering is the best option if staying over and the kitchen is well-equipped with the microwave sensitively hidden away to preserve that vintage feel. Even the cutlery, with its authentic bone-handles will bring out cries of "I remember when …"
Just a caveat: the village is a living, breathing village that gets visitors. Pity the little boy who burst into Julatten House, turned white as a sheet when he saw the real life "ghosts" and ran out.

For heaven’s sake, remember to bolt the stoop! Bet you haven’t heard THAT saying in awhile!

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