Historic Orange property is now a dream home

Winemakers Emily and Ed Swift are enjoying the true fruits of labour after several years of transforming their 1925 piece of history.

Emily Swift’s home in Orange is a blend of the old and new.

As soon as Emily and Ed Swift saw the dilapidated 1925 weatherboard house in Orange, NSW, they knew it was exactly what they had been searching for.

Undaunted by the work ahead, they spent several years creating their dream home, determined to retain its heritage charm, including pressed metal ceilings, and introduce lots of natural light through sensitive renovations.

“It had the bones to make a great family home and we overlooked the state it was in and the flat roof that had been added,” says Emily.

“Historic weatherboard houses made by the lath and plaster method are not the run of the mill houses in Orange and we thought it was special.”

The couple, who moved in 2013, share the house with their daughters, Penny, 14, and Annabel, 11, plus a cute cavoodle, Hattie.

Emily Swift has built her perfect home in Orange.

A country girl from northwest of Dubbo, Emily works in marketing in her husband’s family business, Printhie Wines, that was established in 1996 and named after the family property.

Ed and his brother Dave Swift returned to run the wine estate with parents Jim and Ruth Swift in the early 2000s.

Known for its methode traditionnelle Swift Sparkling brand and award-winning cool climate wines, the family has recently opened a stunning new cellar door that includes a restaurant, Printhie Dining, on the slopes of Mt Canobolas with commanding views across the undulating hills and picturesque landscape below.

“It’s been a busy time with the new restaurant and it’s very calming to walk into our house at the end of the day,” Emily says.

The five-bedroom house has a wraparound veranda and open living areas, as well as a formal dining and sitting room with French doors and window seats that overlook the garden.

“We put a lot of thought and planning into the house and wanted a big entertaining area inside as winters in Orange go on for months and it even snows,” says Emily.

The couple loves gardening and were drawn by the established trees when they first saw the property.

“The large block has some beautiful trees, including golden elm and claret ash and we have redone most of the garden,” Emily says.

Today, hydrangeas in various hues of blue and pink frame the entrance with manicured hedges and a terraced area featuring garden “rooms”.

“There’s a real connection between the house and the garden and you can see I am influenced by my love of gardening as there are lots of botanical prints in the house,” Emily says.

The couple also enjoy art and have three large abstract paintings by Eva Frengstad in the living area that command attention, and the bookcases are stacked with gardening books that Emily loves.

Her favourite possessions include a vintage box camera that has been handed down in the family over generations, her grandmother’s chair and old china and silver.

“I love mixing the old with the new and use silver tea sets for display and sit them beside modern objects which seem to go well together and create interest,” Emily says.

With a keen interest in cooking, Emily has been very involved in Printhie Dining, which showcases the great produce of the ­Orange area that features in its degustation menus created by chef Jack Brown.

“We really want to showcase the amazing producers we have in the area and dishes are inspired by Australian native flavours and to go with the wines,” she says.

A member of the Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia Group, they have introduced a vineyard helicopter hop from the cellar door to the winery with a chauffeur pick-up, scenic flight, fine bubbles and a fabulous lunch.

“It’s got that rock star appeal and is a lot of fun,” Emily adds.