The certificate recognises the sympathetic restoration that the Shannons have undertaken on their home and the significant contribution of this work to the retention of Bathurst's historic streetscapes.

Councillor Jacqui Rudge was present at the certificate presentation because of her interest and respect for the historic character and heritage of Bathurst.

The Shannons rented 35 Piper Street for three years before purchasing it in 2013.

"Previously, the building had been student accommodation for some years, was run-down and needed TLC," Mr Shannon said. 

"We so very much knew the problems we were taking on that included a new floor for the kitchen with redesign of the layout using the rawness of the bricks and the tin roof to create a new functional kitchen.

"It is believed the house was built in the late 1800s, and most rooms still have their original pressed metal ceilings and kauri pine floorboards. 

"For the past year-and-a-half, our focus has been on work for the front of the house, including a rebuild of the verandah that took some time to sort out with a simplified solution that didn't interfere with the stucco render.

“There was repair to ageing timber fretwork using original materials as far as was possible, and repainting."

Christine Perrers of the Bathurst and District National Trust Committee said the Shannons should be congratulated on their work in contributing to retain the character of historic Piper Street.

“And congratulations to experts Murray and James Arnold from Oakbank Constructions for the remake of post skirting, to a friend and neighbour John Howard for his guidance, advice and encouragement, and to Chris McCusker, Steve Rutherford and Inspirations Paint of Keppel Street for their help and support,” she said.

The Shannons said old house restoration is a constant, but they “wouldn't have it any other way".