Something is happening to the aesthetic of Ivanhoe. In a month, people will notice the firmer butchers transform into a picturesque café. Two vending machines will dispense coffee and freshly made sandwiches, and gardens will brighten up the streetscape.

This is by far not the start of the transformation, however.

Mrs Kendells accommodation has literally revitalised old, historic buildings and made them into wonderful, clean accommodation options for tourists.

There are different units, with different levels of comfort. Regardless of which unit selected however, quality is premium and only continues to climb.

Mrs Kendells Bungalow, Mrs Kendells Cottage, Margaret's Garden Cottage, Mrs Kendells Homestead, Margaret's Garden Executive Cottage. The various accommodations will suit various travellers, with the Bungalow a more compact home away from home, the garden cottage fully self-contained with everything a larger group will need, the homestead accommodates six, and the executive cottage upping the ante yet again.

For late arrivals, the fridge is fully stocked with food so nobody goes hungry.

Everything a traveller could want is at their fingertips, ice cream, wine, a beer.

One can sit on the veranda and enjoy the stunning sunsets, and gaze at the stars once the sun goes down.

The buildings were originally constructed by Roy and Dorothy Kendell in the late 1940’s. It was their family home, occupied by Mr and Mrs Kendell, their children and grandchildren.

The homestead had two rooms, with the kitchen and dining to the rear. Verandas ran along three sides and all washing facilities were in the bungalow.

​Roy was a drover, moving sheep across the region.

​Dorothy was a keen gardener and established a garden with an almond tree and every fruit tree; peaches, oranges, mandarins, lemons, figs, grapes and mulberries.

​The garden was skirted with cottage flowers; zinnia, sweet peas and stocks, plants which thrived in the hot climate.

​At the back of the property, Roy built stables with tac rooms and a small forge room where repairs were be carried out. 

In later years their first motor car, a blue 1958 FB Holden ute was kept there.

​Roy passed in 1960, and Dorothy in 1972.

The couple are buried at Ivanhoe cemetery. The house changed owners several times, fell into disrepair, and became uninhabitable.  

​Reacquired by Dorothy's grandchildren, the property was untouched for many years until July 2020. Restoration began and was completed by December 2020.

​Ivanhoe has a rich history, having functioned as a service centre for the surrounding area, long before it was declared a town in 1890.

The township was located on well-used coach and stock routes connecting Wilcannia on the Darling River with Balranald on the Murrumbidgee and Booligal on the Lachlan.

Any progress and revitalisation of Ivanhoe should be welcomed with open arms, congratulations and welcome to enterprise and redevelopment in Ivanhoe.