Reclaimed Timber Given New Lease of Life at The Apple Thief Cider House

Following the impact of the 2020 bushfires, the Batlow community has been gradually finding its feet, bringing new hope and purpose for the Snowy Valleys township. There is a strong sense of positivity at 4066 Batlow Road, where local tradespeople have been diligently working to construct the new Apple Thief Cider House.

The main structure is up, the floor is down, the glass is in, and over the last two weeks, layers of beautiful Alpine Ash timber have been carefully brought into the building. This stunning wood has been reclaimed from trees affected by the bushfires and milled by local craftsman Joe Burgess. Known for its durability and resistance to weathering, Alpine Ash is a hardwood native to the Snowy Mountains of NSW. It features a lovely grain and light color that enhances its appeal. A great deal of care, dedication and skillful expertise went into the hand milling process. By carefully crafting each piece, Joe was able to preserve its unique characteristics while ensuring the highest quality, resulting in a striking and uplifting finish.

While there is still a lot of emotion surrounding the devastating events of 2019/20, Apple Thief proprietor David Purcell is determined for the Apple Thief Cider House to shine as a symbol of resilience and hope. “The emotional impact of the fires will stay with us forever, and we wanted to acknowledge this tragic piece of history by giving the reclaimed timber new life. We hope to show through the Cider House that there is much to be positive about while highlighting what our region and community have to offer to those visiting from near and far,” he said.

Walking into the bright, open, and welcoming venue—with its high ceilings and windows overlooking the orchard—the feeling is one of optimism and warmth. The Alpine Ash beautifully links the indoor bar and restaurant with the open outdoor seating and cider garden area, through to what will be a similarly finished timber deck.

Set for completion in early 2025, the Apple Thief Cider House will provide an immersive experience that promises to be a feast for all the senses. Visitors will approach the Cider House through the orchard itself, enjoying the seasonal sights and aromas of the various apples and other fruits grown for the award-winning Apple Thief Ciders. “The purpose of the project is to help us all move forward. Batlow desperately needs a tourism attraction to draw more visitors, and we believe they will love the Cider House experience,” David said.

David explained that the initiative is partly supported by a grant from the jointly funded Australian and NSW government Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund. “We’re very grateful for that support, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see local trade and supply businesses benefiting from the project. We can’t wait to open the doors and share a glass of fresh, ice cold cider with our friends this year”.