Goonoo Goonoo Station’s Glasshouse Restaurant a big winner at 2017 NSW Architecture Awards | Drone, photos & video

The restaurant, which sits boldly as a modern-day addition between two re-purposed buildings was designed to ensure that the planning and layout of the restaurant supported the dual functionality of the facility while reflecting its place between two of the region’s oldest buildings.

Outside, the transition between old and new is flawless with modern additions and amenities selected to compliment the antiquity of the past, while inside, the use of natural colours and textures that complement the restaurants surrounds stand against contrasting materials like brass and copper creating a strikingly pleasing result.   

Owners Simon and Sarah Haggarty spoke of their reaction to the news: “We’re incredibly proud to have Glasshouse Restaurant recognised at these awards and we are so thankful to the entire team behind us with our architects TDK Architects, builder Chase Projects, landscaper, Natures Vision Landscapes and restaurant consultant Stan Sarris.”

The accolades don’t end there with Glasshouse Restaurant named as a finalist in the World Architecture Festival Awards, where it will be one of 17 competing in what has been dubbed, the most fascinating category, New, and Old. 

The awards, which are held in Berlin in November, recognise outstanding architectural achievement with the work exhibited to over 2000 attendees from around the world and judged by a panel of leading international design commentators and architects.    

Also in November, following its success at the 2017 NSW Architecture Awards, Glasshouse Restaurant will go on to compete at the National Architecture Awards in Canberra.  

Glasshouse Restaurant offers a chic and sophisticated dining experience with sweeping views over the rolling hills of the historic property and the distant Liverpool Range while the adjoining and equally breathtaking, Woolstore event space pays homage to its historical beginnings with the inclusion of original flooring and wall markings.  

THE crown jewel of New England’s historical past, Goonoo Goonoo Station, has reopened after a multi-million dollar restoration.

The station’s village has been turned into guest accommodation, its chapel restored and the giant wool store transformed into a function centre.

A new restaurant – The Glasshouse – has unhindered views of the rolling hills, and is now open from Wednesday to Sunday. It has already been inundated with bookings.

Established in 1831, many of the property’s buildings had become derelict – but the station got a new lease on life when owners Simon and Sarah Haggarty fell in love with it after attending a wedding in 2012.

The whole station is heritage listed and the pair were conscious to retain as much of its history as possible.

Sketches and stencils have been left on walls, old beer cans are displayed proudly and glass floor panels show off the original foundations.

Mr Haggarty said while there was “major pressure” to retain the station’s history, he saw it as an asset rather than a burden.

“There are so many people in Tamworth who have got a history here,” Mr Haggarty said.

“It’s not just the place’s history or the story of Goonoo Goonoo Station, it’s all of the families that lived here, worked here, born here, buried here.

“Those families are still in the area and they will quite often get in touch. Many have been remarkably helpful in filling in the gaps about the buildings and their uses.”

The restoration came in “close” to budget, and slightly behind on time frame. “A lot of that is owing to heritage issues that you encounter when you restore these buildings,” Mr Haggarty said.

Ms Haggarty said the restoration had turned out better than the couple envisioned. “All the buildings are beautiful,” she said.

Only the restaurant is open to the public, while the other areas are reserved for guests – but there are plans to create a display room showing off the station’s significant history and there could be tours of the village in the future.