213 Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath NSW 2785

Twice Lucky is a little house with a generous spirit in a lovely spot. She sits on the sunny side of Govetts Leap Road, a bit closer to the Lookout than the village. Local artist and designer, Julie Paterson of Cloth Fabric, has lived in this classic fibro home twice. Back in 2002 Julie planted most of the mature native trees in the front yard, and she built the studio at the back of the garden. ‘It’s a proper shed really,’ says Julie. ‘Fireproof, utilitarian, recycled doors and windows, and a covered concrete patio that gets the last of the sun in the evenings.’The studio is an unfussy, playful space, where many of Julie’s iconic ClothFabric designs began and were resolved. On the grass beside the studio, one sunny spring afternoon, Julie and her partner Manda sat down to write what they believed and how they wanted to live. What they wrote has become known as the Imperfect Manifesto. ‘When we are brave, our life expands,’ it reads. ‘Imperfection is our ally.’ There’s nothing perfect or precious about Twice Lucky, which is what makes her feel so relaxed. She’s cosy and ramshackle and modest (‘We don’t mind if we’re not too flash’), but rich in design detail and whimsy. The house is so photogenic that over the years she’s been featured in a number of publications, including the SMH’s Good Weekend, an artist’s edition of Country Style magazine, Julie’s own book, ClothBound and, most recently, stylist Jason Grant’s new book Modern Retro Home.Twice Lucky is a classic fibro holiday house, built in the 70s - the kind everyone used to rent for holidays back in the day. She’s a house that encourages you to simplify. The kitchen, dining and lounge share an open plan space with a handsome fireplace on town gas. The lounge features tall, wide windows offering a view of the native front garden. The dining nook has built-in bookshelves that frame another window. The ceiling is high and vaulted, making the space feel generous, light and airy. The kitchen is handsome and practical, with an industrial feel. Gas oven and range, stainless steel cabinets, and a hardy oak benchtop. Twice Lucky has a north facing aspect. ‘The sun tracks through the living area all day long, which keeps her toasty warm in winter,’ says Manda. ‘We installed canvas awnings to keep her cool in the summer. When they are down, Julie reckons it makes the house look like she’s got eyelashes.’ The master bedroom runs the full depth of the house on the driveway side, with windows at either end. Waking up here you can have your first, quiet cuppa in bed looking out onto the bushy backyard, listening to the magpies singing. The second bedroom faces the front yard. Throughout the house Julie has installed a cheerful patchwork of carpet tiles, reused from her old Cloth shop on William Street. Julie has made the curtains – some from repurposed wool blankets, some from old flannies and some from her own heavyweight linen fabric. Lampshades were handmade from jaunty blankets and tea towels. ‘These materials are all honest and full of personality. Over many years we’ve handmade furnishings and chosen finishes that make us feel good.’ Twice Lucky isn’t just a wee fibro house, she’s a home that inspired a philosophy. She is a place that reflects the values of simplicity and creativity, and she’s been built to support these values in the people who live here. ‘We love the old girl,’ says Julie. ‘We are sad to have to let her go, and we hope her new owners will love her and get as much joy from her as we did.’