WE'RE thrilled.
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That was Mitchell Conservatorium executive director Graham Sattler's verdict as he had a look at the refurbished caretaker's cottage in Machattie Park on Monday.
After a tough recent period for the conservatorium - which found out it will have to vacate its main performance space in Russell Street to make way for an expansion of the Bathurst Courthouse footprint - the reopening of the cottage is a much-needed piece of good news, Mr Sattler said.
We could not be happier.
The conservatorium uses the cottage, which is owned and was renovated by Bathurst Regional Council, for music lessons.
"The renovation is magnificent and we could not be happier with what's been done," Mr Sattler said.
"We're incredibly grateful for council for effecting this renovation - and particularly at a time when we have got a few challenges with premises.
Have a quick look through the cottage
"This is kind of timely in terms of a gesture of support for the conservatorium.
"It's a great relief, also, that we can be teaching out of here again for the beginning of 2020."
The renovation of the cottage, which has cost council approximately $200,000, has included repairs and restoration to some of the main features to highlight the historic designs and architecture of the building.
Council's property officer Ben Campbell said a planned full external clean for the building did not go ahead because of water restrictions and council is also looking at the logistics of installing air-conditioning for the cottage.
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Mayor Bobby Bourke said the cottage had felt like a rabbit warren when he had been inside before the renovations, but it was now light and bright.
"There's some life coming back into it," he said.
"It's clean and tidy and will be well-used.
"What better place to learn and play music than the middle of the park?"
The cottage, a gift from the Bathurst Progress Association, features two bedrooms, a parlour, a living room, an office and five fireplaces.
Machattie Park's first head gardener, Alfred Patterson, spent 17 years in the cottage, according to Bathurst Regional Council.
In addition to the original plantings, paths and walls, he directly supervised the development of Lake Spencer, the 1891 Grand Fountain, and the 1897 watering system.
The refurbishment of the cottage started in July this year.