Edwina Bartholomew’s husband makes shocking admission about plan at the centre of their unique living arrangement: ‘We were fools’
The renovation project for the pub situated at the heart of Edwina Bartholomew and her husband Neil Varcoe’s unconventional living setup in New South Wales has encountered some difficulties.
Neil resides in Carcoar (a town with a population of 271), situated within the NSW Central West region, where he supervises the renovation of an old guest house they acquired for more than $1 million in May 2023. Meanwhile, Edwina dwells in Sydney due to her employment at Seven.
This year, the well-known actress from Sunrise and her spouse, parents of Molly, aged 5, and Tom, aged 3, were given the green light to proceed with their long-held aspiration of transforming the building into an upscale retreat they’ve nicknamed ‘Saltash Farm’.
In a bi-monthly article for Galah magazine, Neil shared that the ongoing restoration work has yet to be fully wrapped up.
‘We expected to be open by now. We were fools,’ he wrote.
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‘At first, everyone makes mistakes. We pick a path, assuming we’re ahead or falling behind. Usually, it seems like we’re lagging. It’s quite peculiar.’
Neil mentioned that he no longer sets a specific deadline for the project, since it requires some time to achieve a cohesive, appealing look.
In my expertise, Saltash Farm is an impressive, stunning, and intricate living entity. This historical gem is nestled within a picturesque village under the care of the National Trust, offering a unique blend of tradition and natural beauty.
Saltash should strike a balance between blending seamlessly and making an impact. It ought to exude a sense of antiquity while still appearing modern and vibrant. This seems like an unusual combination, and it requires careful planning to achieve this harmony.
As a committed enthusiast, I’ve shifted my focus from discussing an opening timeline. Instead, I emphasize that the process will continue until it is properly completed, taking whatever time is necessary for excellence.
In 2024, while talking to realestate.com.au, Edwina shared that the couple remained committed to completing their project, even after receiving a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia.
‘We are forging ahead with this incredible project despite this health setback,’ Edwina said.
I truly love spending time in the countryside. It would be delightful to spend a bit more quality time with my loved ones, savoring life at a more leisurely pace.


She mentioned that focusing on home projects could help keep her occupied and distract her from her cancer diagnosis.
Edwina went on to say, “I’ll learn to cope with this situation and make it part of my life. The home renovation has provided a delightful diversion, one that I’m looking forward to enjoying for many more months.
Edwina also revealed that she only sees her husband of seven years on weekends and public holidays.
Neil’s diagnosis with chronic fatigue syndrome led him to decide to depart from Sydney and settle in rural New South Wales, which he asserts ‘played a significant role in his recovery.’
She shared with Australian Women’s Weekly that a few years back, we found ourselves at a point where it was necessary for us to take action, as it was evident that our approach wasn’t yielding the desired results.
He resides about three hours from our location, yet we manage to catch up with him during weekends and holidays. The journey is reciprocal, but this arrangement has turned out to be an incredible blessing for us, and likely the sole means by which we could sustain our family unit.
Earlier this year, Edwina made it clear to Daily Mail Australia that her family eventually intends to depart Sydney permanently, although that time is not likely to be in the immediate future.
‘We are very keen to eventually settle in the country,’ she said.


‘But we are in no hurry.
In the near term, we’ll maintain a balance between two exceptional options, continually switching between them.
She commented, “The chaos of our family’s daily schedule and the WhatsApp conversations about everyone’s location and current events are truly wild.
In numerous instances, thoughts of doubt may cross our minds regarding our actions, yet our determination remains steadfast as we strive to establish an attractive business in what we believe to be the most picturesque town in New South Wales.
At Marie Claire’s International Women’s Day gathering in March, Edwina spoke candidly about her cancer experience.
At the gathering, the television personality openly discussed how chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a form of cancer affecting blood and bone marrow, had significantly influenced her personal experiences.
Edwina said, “I was lucky because I found out about it a month ahead and could prepare myself before sharing with others. Thankfully, I went through that experience without needing chemotherapy.
‘Experiencing cancer turned out to be a blessing for me, as it provided a new perspective on life. It wasn’t necessary that I immerse myself deeply in the ordeal of cancer and let it consume my existence.’
Edwina has a relatively mild type of leukemia, which frequently responds well to treatments other than chemotherapy.
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2025-07-04 04:20