Bed-and-breakfast as well as beautiful new home
Peter and Dot Drinkall built a beautiful Paal home that they are using as a combined residence and bed-and-breakfast, after easily modifying a standard design in order to accommodate guests.
A retired cartographer, Peter was looking for a challenge. Owner-building a Paal home was the perfect option. “I thought it’s one way of staying in the workforce, saving a bit of money and building an investment as well,” he says.
The couple were delighted to find their ideal block of land on the Cox River, overlooking the western escarpment of the Blue Mountains at Wallerawang near Lithgow.
In order to establish the property as a B&B, the Drinkalls made changes to Paal’s standard Camden.
“We extended the lounge room and moved the bedrooms around, ending up with four guest rooms with ensuites plus our own bedroom, which is completely separate. We also added a double garage and a workshop.
“Dot did most of the planning side of things and she went through seven versions!”
Peter had only ever carried out minor renovations, so building a home from scratch seemed a little daunting. However Paal made it possible. Throughout the build, the couple found Paal more than supportive.
“They just filled you with confidence so you could keep going. This included their willingness to draft a number of versions of the plan, the kit deliveries in two stages which was very well done, and their back-up response when we needed it.”
The couple currently offers three guest bedrooms on Airbnb, but the property will soon become a fully established B&B. “We’ve just had it passed by council. The inspector came out and gave us the tick.”
Many guests have already enjoyed Peter and Dot’s warm hospitality at “Rocky Waterhole B&B”. Their comfortable country home is in constant demand by guests enjoying local events such as the Bathurst motor races, or simply wanting to relax in magnificent surroundings.
As for the couple, they couldn’t have hoped for a better building situation and are delighted with their new home: “We enjoy it every day!”