But owners of the unique local property Carrawobitty are willing to take on the challenge, and they’ve just been given $21,500 in funding through the NSW Government for energy conservation projects. 

The funding comes after 12 months of work to study their power consumption and identify the most effective ways to make the iconic concrete building more energy efficient. 

Owner Monica Wren, who’s been restoring Carrawobitty with husband Ken for several years now, says the home was built with opulence rather than conservation in mind.

But the couple is passionate about future-proofing the Bedgerabong Road home, now run as a rural retreat and bed-and-breakfast, and they’ve spent months working with the experts to find ways to reduce their energy use.

Switching the homestead’s more than 140 lights for LED and filling in the 75 decorative vents that let in the dust, cold or hot air, are at the top of the list.

Installation of solar hot water got the tick of approval, along with installing blinds in some rooms and a slow combustion woodfire in the office. 

Monica is delighted with the funding application success, the Wrens were also last year awarded a $100,000 grant for works.

“It demonstrates how significant Carrawobitty is,” she said.