The certificate – for the sympathetic restoration of a heritage building, contributing to the retention of Bathurst’s historic streetscapes – went to Patrick and Tracey Kirkness.

They bought 15 Morrisset Street, which is close to the low level bridge, in 1993.

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Mrs Kirkness said she was unsure of the exact year the home was built, but it was originally a small two-bedroom cottage.

It was owned by the Sherman family in approximately 1900 and the Ashelford family later ran a drink business out of the property, selling cordials and soft drinks made on the premises.

According to the Western Advocate’s Yesterday Today columnist Alan McRae, the Ashelford flavoured cordials were considered a popular treat for many children from the 1930s until the 1960s.

Mr McRae said almost half of the Ashelford company’s sales took place in the 16 weeks over the summer period. 

Mrs Kirkness said previous owners of 15 Morrisset Street completed extensive renovations on what was a very rundown cottage.

She said she and her husband had been slowly extending and renovating the property over 25 years.

Mrs Kirkness said the current verandah renovation had been completed by Warren Mackey Constructions.