As reserve manager for Norah Head Lighthouse, an active lighthouse perched on a picturesque headland in the Central Coast, Tracy Stubbings’ combined home / office is nothing short of spectacular. “Sunrise, sunset or anytime of the day, the view is just amazing – I look out the window and see whales and dolphins; I’m very lucky,” she said.
However, up until recently, the buildings surrounding the lighthouse weren’t in great shape. “The roof tiles were rapidly deteriorating and water was entering the roof space, which was causing damage to the historic fabric of the building,” Ms Stubbings recalls. As a result, the Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve Trust enlisted the help of LMR Australia Pty Ltd to reroof the buildings using Boral’s French profile terracotta tiles in Sydney Red.
“These tiles were selected because they matched the buildings’ original roof tiles, which was a requirement of the approval from the Office of Environment and Heritage,” Ms Stubbings explained.
Boral’s French terracotta roof tile range is a perfect match for classically beautiful architecture, so it was certainly the perfect choice for the Quarters and its outbuildings, which were built in 1905. The premium quality tiles also introduce a much-desired texture and warmth to buildings, and are crucially low maintenance, salt-safe, wind resistant and retain colour as they age – all are key benefits for a roof perched on a headland.
“The contractor only had three weeks to reroof the buildings, with extras including heavy duty sarking, canter battens, barge and ridge and insulation batts, but they managed to meet the tight deadline and worked in a most efficient, professional manner,” commented Ms Stubbings.
Now restored to its former glory, the beautiful homestead continues to serve as a popular wedding venue and destination for holiday-makers, with its two three-bedroom Lighthouse Keepers Quarters. “That’s the thing I love most about working here, in addition to the view,” Ms Stubbings adds, “meeting so many different people on a daily basis.”