How It Began
Uncover the inspiration, restoration, and personal story behind Hollyberry House and what makes it so special.
Hollyberry House was brought to life when Holly, captivated by the charm of an abandoned railroad cottage, walked past it for many years until it was finally put up for sale.
The heartfelt agreement was to devote time and love to rejuvenate the house and restore it to its former glory. This journey symbolises the intention to create something even more beautiful and meaningful from its humble beginnings. This unique energy radiates throughout the property and reflects back to each guest, reminding them that they too have the power to transform their own lives.
Hollyberry House offers a serene place to come and unplug for a day, allowing for restful restoration over a couple of days, or even a complete reset from the chaos of everyday life. Additionally, Hollyberry House is a sanctuary for those wishing to delve into their internal world through counseling or soul integration (tm).
Guests can also venture out to physically explore the picturesque hikes and the charming town of Cooma, or expand their horizons by visiting the stunning Snowy Mountains.
Why Hollyberry House?
My grandmother’s affectionate nickname for me was Hollyberry. The name Hollyberry is a symbol of peace and good fortune, which is all that I genuinely wish for the wonderful people who come to stay and enjoy the delightful experience of Hollyberry House.
— Holly
Step
through
Time
The quaint railroad cottage at 20 Short Street was created to house the dedicated workers who constructed the Cooma railroad station, a project that commenced in 1885.
Following this period, the property was acquired by the McGregor Family, who affectionately named the house ‘Euralie’, inspired by the name of their family farm. When the Railroad Corporation continued to sell the railroad cottages to their employees, it is thought that Mr. McGregor also bought 18 Short Street, now the driveway for 20 Short Street.
At this time, the original two houses went from Short Street to Short Lane. The part of the land where the McGregor’s outhouse and woodshed stood was sold. This happened around the 1940s when an indoor bathroom was added to 20 Short Street. Subsequently, the property was purchased by ‘Aunt Maise’, who lived at 20 Short Street with her brother.
Mary, Maise’s niece, who was also considered more like a daughter, ended up buying a transportable home and lived out the back of 20 Short Street, which was called 18 Short Street, hence the confusion of the property being known as 18/20 Short Street.
After the passing of Maise, the house remained vacant from 1990 until 2022. The old railroad cottage was lovingly transformed and opened as Hollyberry House in 2024.
The original railroad cottage 1800s
The early 1900s version of the railroad cottage was in the 1930s, when the house was unoccupied. The McGregor's rendered the front of the house. The house was returned to its original state with the brickwork showing, thanks to my husband’s hard work and endless work to bring the bricks back to life.
A picture of the old cottage when the McGregor family owned it.
All the different versions of the Cooma Railroad Cottage.
The house was originallyt called 'Euralie' owned by James McGregor.
McGregor Family photo
McGregor Family photo
McGregor Family photo
This is 18 Short Street - "The Ranch" which is now the driveway of 20 Short Street. It is thought that because of the transportable home out the back, that this somehow became 18 Short Street.
Aunt Masie
A backyard with a small dirt hill, a chain-link fence, some bushes, and trees in the distance. There are houses in the background under a cloudy sky.
Then - the backyard
Then - the front door from the hallway inside the abandoned cottage.
Now - the original front door and the crystal chandelier in the hallway.
The transportable home - this is where the Studio is now.
The Studio - now
The kitchen and old stove - then
The stove now - exactly where it has always been...
Then - the side of the Railroad Cottage
Now - the Side wall restored
Then - the lounge
Now - the lounge is the Kookaburra Bathroom
Then - the sitting room
Now - the Wombat Bedroom with Eric the Hare over the fireplace.
The rising dampness in the house ruined some of the original floorboards in all the rooms, including this bedroom. The floorboards that were dried out and reused in the Cottage kitchen as the bench top.
Now - the bedroom with hydronic concrete floors so that the floor and walls can remain dry and warm.
Now - the renovated cottage
Then - the back of the cottage
A residential house with a brick exterior and a white railing porch, beside a flower bed with pink flowers, and a paved walkway, during sunset with a clear sky.
View of a row of houses with porches and white railings at sunset, with a colorful sky and some pink flowers in the foreground.
The renovated back of the 1890s cottage brings old and new together. Plus the beautiful spa space.
The old stove remains in its rightful place.
A house with a red brick exterior, white trim, and a small front porch with a white railing and two wooden chairs, surrounded by flowers, under a partly cloudy sky.
The transportable home has been replaced with the Studio. The original apple tree to the left remains.
This was the original bedroom in the 1890s cottage. What a difference!
Come and experience Hollyberry House for yourself!
Plan Your Stay
Our Stays
Discover a selection of accommodation options designed for comfort and style. Choose between the character-filled Railway Cottage or the beautifully appointed Hollyberry Studio House. Whether you prefer a private room or the exclusivity of having the entire property to yourself, the choice is yours.
Daycation Delight
Welcome to Daycation Delight, a serene escape designed for ultimate relaxation. Our thoughtfully curated day packages invite you to step away from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in stillness, rest, and reconnection. Choose from our signature experiences each offering its own path to renewal.