The History of Little Milton
Nestled in the heart of Wollongong, Little Milton stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage. This charming residence is believed to be the oldest surviving house in central Wollongong, with its origins tracing back to the 1830s.
Early Beginnings
Constructed between 1830 and 1850, Little Milton was initially built in the plain bungalow style, characteristic of early colonial architecture. The property was soon acquired by Reverend George Charter, Wollongong's first Congregationalist minister. The expansive grounds once featured a coach house, stables, croquet lawn, tennis court, and lush gardens. Reverend Charter and his family were known for their dedication to the church and community, often hosting gatherings and maintaining a church garden adorned exclusively with white flowers for altar use.
Transformation into a Medical Practice
In the 1880s, English doctor Timothy Wood Lee purchased Little Milton and transformed it into both his residence and medical practice. He added a northern wing extending to the footpath, serving as his surgery. Dr. Lee practiced here for over three decades, and his family retained ownership of the property until their passing.
Past Preservation Efforts
After passing through various hands, Little Milton faced potential redevelopment in the 1970s. Recognising its historical significance, the property was nominated for protection under the Heritage Act in 1979. Restoration efforts included replacing verandah flooring, addressing rising damp, rewiring, and general repairs. In 1983, a Permanent Conservation Order was placed on the property, and it was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999.
Little Milton Today
Today, Little Milton stands as a beautifully restored piece of Wollongong’s past, brought to life once again through the passion and dedication of its current owners, Jim and Deborah McCallum. The McCallums are well-known in the Illawarra for their unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating the region’s architectural heritage. Their restoration projects include the acclaimed Ruby’s Restaurant in Mt Kembla, a popular fine dining venue housed in a historic miners’ cottage, and Ravensthorpe, an elegant Georgian-style homestead in Albion Park.
With Little Milton, Jim and Deborah have dedicated themselves to restoring one of Wollongong’s most significant and oldest residences. Their vision extends far beyond simply preserving Little Milton’s 19th-century charm, their work ensures that every detail—from the fretwork to the original timber features—is treated with care and respect.
Their goal is to create a space that honours the home’s rich legacy while opening it up for the community and visitors to enjoy. The front wing of the house has been lovingly transformed into The Cottage, Little Milton’s boutique heritage accommodation, and there is ongoing work to build The Pavilion at the rear of the property, which will be the home of Little Milton’s future cooking school. Jim and Deborah’s stewardship ensures that this treasured home will continue to be a source of pride and storytelling for generations to come.