IF ONLY the lads could see it now.
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A historic Yackandandah gentlemen’s club, which was lovingly restored over 16 months, now has a new lease of life as a design boutique.
Yackandandah couple Lindy and Andrew Allen-Smith bought the High Street property early in 2016 before committing to the massive renovation project.
Ms Allen-Smith said the 1857 billiards room had changed hands many times and operated as a tobacco and confectionery store, takeaway shop and a milk bar.
She said her husband had worked tirelessly to strip the building back to its original state.
“The renovation revealed double red brick,” she said.
“The beautiful timber trusses were hidden above the ceiling and there was plaster everywhere.
“The original building was very grand but it didn’t have a veranda on it; the steel veranda went on it in the 1940s or ‘50s.
“We replaced the veranda, lowered it and used timber posts in keeping with the style of the town and for practical reasons.”
North East tradies and artisans helped them to perfect the finish inside and out.
Ms Allen-Smith said in a nod to history they named the design store at 7 High Street, 7th Pocket.
She said they wanted to respect the heritage of the building in their work.
“In the mid-1800s the miners would come across from the Royal Hotel to the billiards room,” she said.
“The front of the building had no windows; can you imagine the smoke and the stories?
“If only the walls could talk.”
Having moved to Yackandandah 17 years ago, the couple have three sons, Billy, 13, Charlie, 11, and Paddy, 9.
Ms Allen-Smith worked in aged care at Yackandandah Health for seven years before focusing on the lifestyle boutique.
She said the store showcased Australian designers and artisans.
“We value original designs, quality and slow fashion,” she said.
“Every product has a story behind it that I like to share.
“It’s about attention to detail; the music is all Australian, even the wrapping paper.”
Ms Allen-Smith said they stocked Bright label Espire Clothing and collaborated on a scented candle, Circa 1857, with Milawa’s Pure Indulgence Aromatherapy.
7th Pocket stocks ethically-designed Australian brands such as Keegan, Belmore Australia, Frank Green, Sienna, Paird, Deon Dane ,The Spotted Quoll, Feather Drum, Folke and Uncle May.
It also offers fresh flowers on Tuesdays and Fridays.
7th Pocket opens seven days from 10am.