Fire-ravaged family lodge reopens

Farmstay accommodation at Peaceful Bay ravaged by fire earlier this year has reopened for business.

Among the properties hit by the devastating May bushfire was Nutkin Lodge, a family lodge near Denmark.

Owner Linda Hoskins said damage from the blaze at her 80ha property was still visible but that guests would be welcome back this summer after renovation work carried out since the fire.

“We’ve lost a storeroom, lots of fences and there is heat and smoke damage to other buildings,” she said.

“But we’re happy to welcome our first customers back early this month. We’ve done as many of the repairs as we can, like windows and doors.

“It looks similar to what it was before the fire, but it’s not fully finished yet.”

Mrs Hoskins said that she had a couple of trial guests stay for a night to ensure everything was up to scratch before reopening this month.

“The new playground should hopefully be restored next year,” she said. “But it will be closer to the end of next year or the beginning of the following year before we have everything completely refurbished and redone.”

Mrs Hoskins said she would close one cottage at a time to continue with the restoration work.