For travellers who love their stay to feel as thoughtfully designed as their own home, this tiny cabin in Blackheath is one to bookmark. Tucked among the misty gums of the Blue Mountains, the century-old cottage has been lovingly restored by architect and builder Stewart Smith, director of Brisbane-based Smith Architects, who is also the owner and host.
The result is a soulful retreat where history, sustainability, and clever design come together for a stay that feels connected to nature, slow living, and the rugged beauty of the mountains.
Holding on to Memory
Stewart approached the project with a simple intention: to protect the original 100-year-old cottage and let its story live on. The structure was fragile and exposed to bushfire risks, so he wrapped the building in a protective structural skeleton and charred timber cladding using the ancient technique of shou sugi ban. This gives the cottage a resilient outer layer that is fire-resistant, insulating, and beautifully textured. It grounds the cabin in its history while future-proofing it for years of guests to come.
A Stay Rooted in Sustainability
This is design-led travel with a conscience. Stewart rebuilt with a “small footprint” philosophy, reusing almost every original material. Old bricks, timber floorboards, wall frames, cladding, and even the ceiling and roof frame were carefully repurposed. Leftover concrete from other building sites was reimagined as terraced landscaping at the front of the property, helping manage the steep slope and echoing the thoughtful approach woven through the entire project.
Texture, Storytelling, and the Spirit of Place
Inside, the cabin embraces the marks of time. Recycled brickwork, including imperfect pieces, rebuilds the foundations and fireplace, capturing the deep ochres and smoky greys of the surrounding escarpment.
Sections of original external cladding are left exposed to let the walls tell their century-old story. The new front deck and fireplace sit exactly where the old living room once stood, preserving the memory and rhythm of the original home.
Designed for Slow Days and Mountain Adventures
Every detail enhances easy, restorative living. Deep window frames capture classic Blue Mountains views and create cosy spots for reading, morning coffee, or simply sitting with the sun.
Clever storage hides hiking gear, cooking essentials, and the practicalities of mountain life. Separate sleeping and living zones keep the compact space comfortable for longer stays.
Connected to Community and Country
The cabin remains in its original location, keeping it firmly anchored in the history of Blackheath. Terraced garden levels, shaped with recycled concrete blocks wrapped in brickwork, manage drainage while creating pockets for greenery, parking, and places to unwind by the outdoor fireplace.
Guests feel subtly connected to the local community, with the gentle rhythm of the neighbourhood on one side and the wild bushland stretching out on the other.
Compact, Clever, and Full of Character
The original 54 sqm footprint was reduced to 28 sqm, but every centimetre now works hard. The cabin fits a warm living and cooking space, a separate sleeping area, a bathroom, and a laundry with external access for added convenience.
The generous front deck becomes a second living room under the stars, complete with a crackling fire—perfect after a day spent wandering cliff tops, lookouts, and walking tracks.
A Design-Led Stay Worth Travelling For
This restored Blue Mountains cabin is more than a weekend escape. It’s a thoughtful blend of sustainability, history, and contemporary comfort. Stewart Smith’s vision has created a retreat that feels deeply connected to its landscape while offering travellers a beautifully considered place to slow down and recharge.
You can find Little Black Cabin by SMITH Architects on Instagram and airbnb
