Big changes ahead for popular cottage for guesthouse stays

It’s been offering a home away from home for guests for decades and now big changes are happening to a cosy cottage full of heart.

BIG CHANGES: Toowoomba guesthouse Sierra Cottage owner Elizabeth Speed. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Sweet and full of charm, an inner-city cottage that has served as a popular guesthouse for years is set to undergo a major transformation.

When Elizabeth Speed and her husband first laid eyes on the East Toowoomba house, they fell in love with its charm and character.

BIG CHANGES: Toowoomba guesthouse Sierra Cottage owner Elizabeth Speed. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Purchasing the property in January this year, the couple initially planned to use the home for the purpose of renting it out.

But these plans quickly changed after the home’s new-found owners discovered its full potential.

“We’ve been taking bookings since February 26, and we’ve been blown away by how busy it is,” Ms Speed said.

“People really love it because it’s got that old cottage charm, but you can also park your car and walk to nearby cafes, the theatre, shops, medical centres and schools.”

BIG CHANGES: Toowoomba guesthouse Sierra Cottage owner Elizabeth Speed. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Formerly known as Emily’s Cottage and Kent St Cottage, the quaint house has been offering guests a home away from home for decades.

The sweet abode now goes by the name Sierra Cottage.

“This little house has been accommodating people for short stays for many years,” Ms Speed said.

“So many people we know or meet have stayed in this little house over the years and often share fond memories about it.”

But now the charming cottage is getting a major upgrade with renovations set to start.

“It’s currently a three-bedroom and one-bathroom house but it will be a three-bedroom and two-bathroom house by the end of the renovations,” Ms Speed said.

“The living area will be open-plan, there will be a covered outdoor area, and we will be adding all those extra comforts like ducted heating and cooling systems.”

BIG CHANGES: Toowoomba guesthouse Sierra Cottage owner Elizabeth Speed. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The guesthouse owner said while she wouldn’t be making structural changes to the stunning front facade, it would receive a splash of paint.

“We’re going to paint the front white so it will be a little white cottage on Kent St,” she said.

Construction will be completed by local building business JSG Constructions.

Sierra Cottage is at 13 Kent St in East Toowoomba.

Renovations are expected to start in the coming weeks with Sierra Cottage set to reopen on November 1.

Future bookings can be made online at toowoombaholidayrentals.com.au.