Step Inside One of the Most Charming Stays in NSW: A Conversation with Rebecca Begg of Katoomba Slow
In the heart of the Blue Mountains, nestled between heritage and stillness, sits a thoughtfully restored 1870s miner’s cottage known as Katoomba Slow. It’s the kind of place that makes you breathe a little deeper the moment you arrive. We recently spoke with Rebecca Begg, the custodian of this charming stay, about restoring with intention, crafting a home steeped in story, and the joy of creating a space that invites others to slow down and settle in.
Let’s start with your story. What inspired you to create this beautiful space?
What really inspired us was the craving for something with soul, a home that had history and heart. The house we live in with our kids is practical, but it doesn’t have much warmth or charm. We wanted something that told a story, something older and full of character.
Finding one of the original miner’s cottages in Katoomba felt like a stroke of luck. It gave Ian the opportunity to restore something historic, something he’s always wanted to do, and it let me dive into my love for country interiors, antique art, and old paint colours.
It became a shared project, a space where Ian’s craftsmanship and attention to detail could shine, and I could create a home that felt gentle and full of personality. At its core, we built it for our family and friends to enjoy. The fact that others get to experience it too is a joy we didn’t fully expect.
How would you describe the personality of Katoomba Slow in just three words?
Cosy, charming, quietly beautiful.
What was your vision when designing or styling the space? Were there any particular influences?
We always wanted to honour the original spirit of the cottage. My dad actually used to own a nearly identical one just down the street, so I had a clear vision of what it would’ve looked like back in the day.
When we found it, the house had been changed a lot. We stripped it right back to its original footprint, removing awkward extensions and leaning into its humble, honest feel.
Ian built the kitchen by hand using salvaged boat timber. We crafted the bathroom to be light-filled and soothing. We tucked the TV away to make space for conversation, meals, and quiet moments. It wasn’t about being decorative, it was about being true to what the cottage was.
Pinterest, Instagram, and Country Style magazine definitely helped with ideas, but really, we just followed our instincts and what we love.
How do you want guests to feel when they walk through the door?
Like they’ve just taken a deep breath. There’s a quiet loveliness that hits you straight away. You see both bedrooms from the entry, the beds layered in ginghams, florals, and stripes, and it instantly feels welcoming. From there, your eye carries through to the open living space and out to the garden. It’s all styled to feel calm and thoughtful, but never overdone. It’s an easy kind of warmth.
Did sustainability play a role in your choices while creating the space?
We didn’t start out with a sustainability checklist, but it naturally became part of our process. Our main goal was to rescue and restore the cottage, which might otherwise have been demolished. We used salvaged and second-hand materials wherever we could, furniture, timber, decor. From the meat safe to the kitchen benches, it was all about honouring what already existed.
What do guests most often comment on after their stay?
They talk about the warmth, the styling, and the way it feels deeply cared for. It’s not unusual for someone to say it’s the best stay they’ve had. The fire, the bath, the little details, it all adds up to something that feels personal and restorative.
Are there any local makers or materials featured in the space?
Ian created most of what you see, his craftsmanship is really at the heart of the home. But we also feature several etchings by Norman Lindsay, who lived just down the mountain, and local landscapes of the Blue Mountains and Capertee Valley. They’re quiet nods to the region.
Finally, what advice would you give to someone dreaming of creating a space like this?
Stay true to yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or what’s “right” for a certain style or era, but the magic happens when you trust your own eye. Let go of the pressure and follow what feels warm and welcoming to you. That’s what makes a space truly special.
A Final Note
Katoomba Slow is more than a beautiful stay, it’s a place grounded in story, restoration, and quiet care. If you’re ever in the Blue Mountains, it’s a retreat well worth seeking out.
All photo credits: @genevieveginty
