Conserving the Past, Enriching the Future
Welcome to Rechner Cottage
Rechner Cottage, in Light Pass, South Australia is a State Heritage Listed Cottage of architectural and social significance. Browse the website, and discover more about the cottage and the village it stands in. Explore the stories of the past and see the conservation process.
The Cottage
It is a heritage-listed place of architectural and social significance. What is so special about the cottage that makes it worth saving?
GJ Rechner
Who was GJ Rechner, the man the cottage is named for? Learn more about him, his life, his work and his legacy.
Leave a Legacy
Supporters are helping Rechner Cottage keep it’s feet on the ground. And dedicating a ‘foot of footings’ in their name or the name of someone they love. It’s a special way to honour someone, connecting them with both the past and the future.
The conservation work begins.
The old (1957) roof is removed.
A room with a sky view!
Putting on the new roof
The glare is blinding - but it will soften over time.
Discussing what to do.
Careful studying of the footings.
The verandah footings are left exposed to show the wear.
Media coverage was welcomed.
Working on the main footings
The pugging was a big step.
Our heritage builder explains the process.
Young and old came to help pug.
Pugging takes team work!
Re mixing the original 1800's pug to re-use.
Some of our volunteer puggers.
The pugging completed, ready for limewashing
Applying the first of 2 coats of limewash.
Limewashing done, doors and window oiled.
Working on the drainage took a lot of digging!
Over 3000 bricks were painstakingly laid.
Looking as good as she did in the 1850's!
The conservation
After lots of hard work, in early 2026 the conservation was completed. Now the future is looking much brighter for this lovely cottage. Nestled peacefully in the church yard, near the cemetery and vineyard, she can welcome visitors for many years to come.
Click on the photos to see just how far she’s come, or visit the photo gallery for more photos.
Light Pass Village
Rechner Cottage is situated in the small village of Light Pass, in South Australia’s beautiful Barossa Valley. Light Pass has a rich history and is home to many historic buildings.
There is plenty to discover. Explore it in person or virtually by using the free Barossa Heritage Trails App. 
About Light Pass
Significant Buildings
Stories
Articles and news
Are you interested in heritage buildings, the conservation process, or the stories of Light Pass of long ago? Browse through these pages and lose yourself in the history.
The history of Luhrs Cottage
Luhrs Cottage was built in the mid-1800's by Johann Luhrs, the school teacher. He arrived in South Australia from Germany in 1843, and in 1846 took on the position of teacher at Light Pass. Along with his teaching duties he was also expected to help establish the...
Historic buildings of Light Pass – a short guide
Light Pass is a small village, yet it has a wealth of historic buildings, all with a story to tell. You can download the Barossa Heritage Trail App and take a virtual tour or, even better (if you live close enough), take a drive out there. Discover the buildings, stop...
Tom Reuther recordings – Light Pass in the 30’s and 40’s
Tom Reuther is GJ Rechner's great grandson. He is a fount of information about Light Pass, and his memories from his childhood there are a joy to listen to. And very funny as well! He is an engaging (and sometimes cheeky) storyteller and covers topics from the length...
Contact Us
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