Wild Horse Cottage
Overview
A couple revitalise a heritage home in Queensland’s Glass House Mountains.
There’s something particularly enchanting about a young couple establishing their first home together in the wilds of the country. By doing so, they are singlehandedly breathing new life into places often forgotten, as urbanity continues to magnetise society’s younger generations.
It’s part of what gives Wild Horse Cottage, in Queensland’s Glass House Mountains, its charm: this is a home that has been reimagined and nurtured by Ashley Dobson and partner Alex Pitkethly. “It’s been a two year renovation journey after buying it as our first home,” says Dobson. “The property sits on one acre and had such beautiful bones, but it needed a full refresh inside and out to really bring it to life.”
It was a labour of love. “We updated the exterior, rebuilt the deck, replaced all the doors, windows and completely renovated the interior,” she explains. “The style naturally evolved into a relaxed farmhouse cottage, inspired by traditional Australian country homes with soft detailing, layered textures and timeless materials.” The couple took their time in the process, wanting to get every detail right.
“Every decision was made slowly and intentionally so the home would feel cohesive, lived-in and timeless.”
A sense of warmth was fundamental. “From the beginning, I wanted the home to feel warm, welcoming and full of character,” she says. Championing materials like timber, stone and antique brass, as well as focussing on neutral tones, helped to create this. “We wanted it to feel grounded in its rural surroundings but still elevated. Think classic farmhouse but softened and modernised, layered details instead of minimalism.”
Key to her approach was hardware, with the couple selecting TradCo’s Reims Levers and Panic Bolts for the build. “Hardware was never an afterthought for us; it was part of the design conversation from the start,” asserts Dobson. “Because it’s something you see and touch every day, I wanted it to feel substantial and beautifully made. We kept the same finish throughout the home to create a sense of consistency and flow, allowing the hardware to subtly tie every space together.”
Antique Brass proved to be the material of choice, its historical bent along with its robust tactility combining to give the aesthetic the couple sought.
“The Antique Brass adds warmth against our neutral palette and softens the overall look,” she says. “The weight and detailing bring a level of craftsmanship that completely elevates even the simplest doors. It’s one of those small details that makes a big impact.”
TradCo helped make their vision a reality. “TradCo was a natural choice for this project. The range of finishes meant we could find the exact antique brass we had in mind: something warm and rich, without feeling overly polished or brassy.” The brand attracted them thanks to its quality as well as its aesthetic. “The fact that the pieces are solid brass was incredibly important to us. You can instantly feel the weight and quality, and that sense of craftsmanship aligns perfectly with the timeless, heritage-inspired direction of our home,” details Dobson. “Their designs beautifully complement traditional and period-style architecture, yet they still feel completely at home in a modern renovation. In the end, the hardware wasn’t just a detail; it was the finishing layer that brought the entire vision together. I couldn’t be happier with my choice.”
Reims Lever - Long Backplate Entrance Set with High Security Lock
Inspired by the French Provincial style, the elegant Reims Lever draws from the ornate, yet understated detailing found within French countryside manor homes. Subtle curves and refined banding accents enhance its timeless quality. The Reims Lever is available within the Restorers Collection as a passage, privacy or entrance set. Each set contains the installation components needed for your door to function.
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Reims Lever - Long Backplate
Inspired by the French Provincial style, the elegant Reims Lever draws from the ornate, yet understated detailing found within French countryside manor homes. Subtle curves and refined banding accents enhance its timeless quality. The Reims Lever is available within the Restorers Collection as a passage, privacy or entrance set. Each set contains the installation components needed for your door to function.
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Panic Bolt - L255mm
TradCo Panic Bolts provide a secure locking solution for secondary doors — including French doors, double doors, and external access points — while still allowing a quick, unobstructed exit when needed. Crafted from solid brass and true to traditional design principles, each panic bolt includes keepers for both flush and recess mounting. They’re a dependable choice for restoration projects where both function and period character are important. Available in a range of finishes.
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