The National Trust of Australia last week delayed the cottage's sale for three months to allow time for local debate to develop and for discussion of alternative solutions.

While the sale is officially halted, expressions of interest are still being taken for the highly protected property, according to selling agent Garry Lockett.

Mr Lockett said while the cooling-off period had curbed sale inquiries, the pioneer cottage had enjoyed an influx of visitors since it was put on the market.

"It started off with a rush, then got a little bit quiet since they announced the three month cooling-off period," he said.

"Inquiries have increased a bit now because visitors have gone back.

"I haven't had as many inspections as you'd expect because there's been so many through on open days.

"One of the volunteers said they had four or six people look through on a typical open day, and that's gone up to about 50.

"It's great for us because everyone can go through without organising a special trip.

"All of a sudden this has created a lot of interest, so they're saying they should've done put it up for sale a long time ago."

Mr Lockett said renovations at the property, valued between $500,000 and $600,000, would be limited by its heritage protection, but there was room to build around it.

"Most people are a bit concerned about what the future for it is and what the restrictions are.

"The logical suggestion is to keep it as it is and build an adjoining house on the same site.

"Heritage Victoria will be calling the shots on what they can and can't do so they'd have to get a permit from there.

"The heritage of building would have to be retained.

"They don't want anyone to build anything that's a Mickey Mouse copy and the obvious thing to be would be to join something more modern, and that's what most people would intend to do.

"That would be a win/win for everyone, keeping Mott's Cottage as it as but making it into a residence as well."

j.pech@standard.fairf ax.com.au