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.
Let the pugging begin!
4th November 2024 Breaking news - we are up to the stage of pugging the cottage! It's been five years getting to this moment and, even though there are still some tasks to do before we can call the project finished, this is a BIG milestone. And you're invited! Come...
Fighting frosts
“The worst frosts in 55 vintages" have recently destroyed crops, devastating both wineries and growers.1 Farmers in Light Pass 100 years ago knew exactly how that feels. They also experienced devastation caused by frosts, as time after time frosts would wipe out...
Ring those bells!
Ring those bells! Surely one of the most iconic sounds of the Barossa must be the sound of bells ringing out over the countryside. Since the early days of German settlement, the bells in the Barossa have been busy - calling the faithful to worship on Sundays,...
Contact Us
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