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2021
2 April 2021
'It all started as an idea': How Charlie and Jim Buchanan brought the Black Shed to life
When Charlie and Jim Buchanan decided to move to Mudgee, they wanted a small plot of land close to town and an old house.
It started off as a simple idea for family overflow accommodation, but quickly turned into a full-time business.
The Black Shed is an award-winning property that features a polished agricultural exterior, boasts a luxury interior fit-out and overlooks grapevines.
"I wanted people to have that 'wow' factor when you open the door," Ms Buchanan said.
Ms Buchanan said they get a lot of wedding couples and parties use the space, and have recently accommodated a number of small weddings in their farm shed.
"We've upgraded the farm shed and installed lighting, so it can be a backup for people to do a DIY wedding if it rains."
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Ms Buchanan had an idea for the design and worked with Watershed Design architect Mark Korgul to bring it to life.
"I've built three houses and renovated two, and for the Black Shed I used the same architect from my fourth project, and it's really easy because we know how each other works."
The interior features heavy timber frame beams, constructed with traditional timber framing techniques alongside classic Australian corrugated metal cladding.
Ms Buchanan was inspired to use traditional timber framing after she took a course at AREC under the guidance of Chris Nance, who she then used to supply the frame for the Black Shed.
"We built the trusses and posts that form the main structure out of spotted gum, and we crafted that in our workshop in the Southern Highlands and delivered it to Mudgee," he said.
She then used Tall Timber Constructions, who then won the Housing Industry Association "Custom Built Home" award for their work on the Black Shed.
"There were some pretty big builders at the awards and this little old builder from Mudgee picked up the chocolates, we were pretty happy, but it was a group effort too," he said.
Exposed timber beams and a large cathedral are instantly eye-catching features that blend effortlessly with the modern flourishes of the cottage.
"I've never worked with hardwood posts like that before, and I don't think anyone in town would have, it's a very different construction style. The posts were stood first and we built the house around them so I had to do a lot of homework," he said.
The open plan main living area feels light and open as windows open the room to great views northward across the vineyard.
There are two bedrooms, each with a bathroom, and guests can wake up to gorgeous views of vineyards and Mount Buckaroo1 .