Bylands Cottage - Swan Reach

12/07/2026

We don’t take out boat out often enough. But when we do bring it to Swan Reach, it tucks in beautifully under the carport meaning we can have it all set up undercover and ready to launch nearby at Metung or Johnsonville boat ramps.
This time we launched at Metung and headed over towards Lakes Entrance.
We have decided that winter is a great time to take the boat out. Easy access to the boat ramp (no waiting for others), very few other boats out and glass like water.
After a quick stop over at the jetty in the North Arm, we headed to Drew’s Jetty which allowed us to access part of the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park. After a short walk we found the local seal colony within easy view of the walking track.
It was nearing dusk when we got back to Metung, just in time for a striking winter sunset over the bay.

07/07/2026

One more paining project ticked off. The dining room ceiling. The rate we are going, by the time we get everything painted we will be staring over again.

03/07/2026

I have finally completed the painting of the lacework! I knew it was getting a late in the afternoon (4:30) but I was so close and just wanted it done. I pushed my luck a bit too much and the evening dew meant that it dripped on the deck over night. So, after spending a day exploring with the kids the next day I was out there in the dark cleaning it off with hot soapy water and a wire brush. Bu**er!

29/06/2026

When we first purchased Bylands Cottage we were told the story of Thomas Butterfield, the original owner, builder and individual who named the property.
From what we understand, Thomas died at the property on June 3rd 1879, leaving behind his wife Isabella and young daughter Grace.
Thomas had contracted Phenomena and due to a flooded Tambo, it took 3 days for his wife to obtain assistance and his body was buried on the property at the top of the hill.
The grave was once marked by a lone Peppercorn tree. We were aware that the site was on private property, but due to subdivisions that have taken place over time, no longer the same property as where the cottage is located. For years we had been meaning to speak with our neighbour to find its location, today we finally did.
We went for a walk up Bylands Court to our neighbours and asked about the grave site. It is right next to his shed - easy to find. When we had been there in the past we had basically walked straight past it.
There is no longer a Peppercorn tree making the site, but he has it carefully marked and it has a lovely view of the Tambo and the bridge.
We found Mr Butterfields name, and part of the story in the below article.
https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.12657/24372/followingthewater.pdf?sequence=1

31/05/2026

The East Gippsland Winter festival is back again for 2026 from June 19- July 19. There is a jam packed program again this year.
Check it out here.

Embrace the chill of the season with an abundant celebration of art, wine, local produce and live music.

12/04/2026

Although a lot of people do not love, or even like spiders, we do like spotting the lovely big huntsman’s in the outdoor loo. From what we understand, this toilet was the first flushing toilet in the region so a fitting spot for a hunsman to call home. They also eat redbacks so hopefully it also keeps those away from the toilet seat.
To reassure our guests, we do relocate them if they move inside the house. The outdoor toilet is the only room we allow them to reside in.

05/04/2026

We purchased this dresser years ago, and although we loved it, we never really had an ideal place for it at home. We finally got around to relocating it to Swan Reach where it fits a lot better. Although we are not 100% sure it is currentey located in the best position, it does do a much better job of holding games and puzzles then the old secretary desk we had in its place.

29/03/2026

Hydrangeas do surprisingly well under the peppercorn with minimal water, so when I extended this bed months ago I knew that was what I wanted to plant. I just needed to propagate some more and wait for the heat of summer to pass. The relocation of a few other plants that are also thriving filled up the space nicely. - now to wait for them all to grow.