National Trust Cottage - Oatlands Tasmania

National Trust Cottage+Modern Residence+Old Museum Outbuildings

This Old Colonial Georgian Sandstone Cottage c1840’s is conjoined to a modern brick Caretakers Residence. The property boasts a large storage and multiple bay shed, numerous outbuildings all on 2200m2 with additional rear access right of way.

The property was previously owned by the National Trust and operated as a transport and agricultural museum. Since then the Sandstone Cottage has undergone partial restoration works while the Caretakers Residence has provided rental accommodation. It is reputed that the residence is constructed of relocated bricks from an old cottage at Ellesmere, Jericho, while the stone facing at the front of National Trust Cottage remains an excellent example of Oatlands historical masonry workmanship.

The property has been landscaped including extensive plantings, paving, terracing and fencing, although all now in need of further maintenance and restoration.

Mt Wellington Cable Car Proposal

As far as natural landmarks go, nothing could be more commanding than Tasmainas’ Mt Wellington. Dominating the southern landscape, its pinnacle gazes upon Hobarts’ idyllic city life and southern waterways, casting sights east across Derwent Estuary and west towards the World Heritage area some 100 kms away. The view from Hobart is awe-inspiring to say the least, its dominance holds steadfast with prominent natural features including the cliff of dolerite columns known locally as the Organ Pipes.

Charles Darwin saw the same magnificence whilst visiting Hobart Town in 1836 noting in The Voyage of the Beagle how “the broken land and water, forming many intricate bays, was mapped with clearness before us. …” The mountain remained a popular resort destination throughout the 20th century, despite many recreational cabins across the lower slopes being all but destroyed by bushfire.

In 1930 with the depression bitting hard, Tasmania’s Premier Mr A.G.Ogilvie initiated a capital works programme to cater for swelling unemployment numbers through the construction of a road to the summit of Mt Wellington. Pinnacle Drive was officially opened in August 1937 by then Governor Sir Ernest Clark and for some time was known amongst locals as ‘Ogilvie’s Scar’, a sentiment reflecting the heavy logging that was taking place in turn exposing the chiselled out road.
With Pinnacle Drive neatly tucked away once more, the sentiment behind Ogilvie’s Scar has since shifted to represent the easement supplying power to the radio and television ‘Line of Site’ transmission towers. Today two large concrete and steel transmission towers and other smaller dishes blight the landscape of the summit for the purpose of serving the digital needs of most 21st century Hobartians.

Mt Wellington is Tasmania’s fourth most popular tourist attraction drawing in over 300,000 visitors annually and is a must do for tourists and locals alike. The mountain holds the strain of major traffic congestion during peak periods, and at times becomes inaccessible by conventional transport due to inclement weather.

In 2009 Wellington Park Management Trust called for public submissions for alternative modes of transport to the pinnacle which included a shuttle bus service, light rail and a cable car. The resulting Sustainable Transport System report identified walking, private cars, and mini-buses as the preferred modes of transport.

It would be difficult for an economic model that would support buses, as there can be no comparison made between the system of scheduled bus services which operate at Ben Lomond and Cradle Mountain. Cradle Mountain caters for medium stay tourists, whereas Mt Wellington visitors are ad hoc part-day trippers who take the short 22 k drive from Hobart, subject to weather conditions, seven days a week year round.

Light rail was mooted by the 2010 candidate for the seat of Dennison. Ms Ogilvie conceptualised a funicular or incline railway from The Springs to the top of Mt Wellington stating “a funicular railway would be less visually intrusive than the cable car proposals that had been put forward for the mountain in the past” and would provide all weather access.
The cable car vision has been idle for some time. A developer in 1993 proposed the cable works be accompanied by a revolving restaurant and artificial ski field which received support by the then state tourism minister, Peter Hodgman. At that time the Greens Party and Friends of Mt Wellington strongly opposed the development, and called for thorough public consultation and a need to explore all of the alternatives. Needless to say the cable cars are yet to get off the ground.

In early 2010 leader of the opposition Will Hodgman spoke out in favour of an environmentally sensitive cable car system, provided it met criteria established by the Mt Wellington Park Trust. However, it has been reported that chairperson for the Trust stated that ‘current plans didn’t allow for cable cars on the pinnacle and an amendment would have to be subject to a feasibility study to determine whether community attitudes have changed.’

To encourage public debate, architectural visualisation studio Bold Impressions, launched a well produced animation of the potential cable car project tiled ‘Hobart Cable Car – It’s Time’ which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqRdORoOTpY .

May 2011 saw the release of the Tasmanian Legislative Council report on tourism with part of the study concluding that a properly planned and designed cable car scheme for Mt Wellington had the potential to enhance regional tourism.
Taking a look interstate you soon stumble across the Northern Queensland Skyrail Rainforest Cableway announcement of 1994 that saw passions rage over a proposed development through sensitive rainforest between Cains and Kuranda. The project since completed has taken out 24 state, national and international awards in the categories of Tourism and Sustainability.

Most notable among the Skyrail Cableways international accolades include winner of the 1996 EIBTM European Greening of Business Tourism Award for ‘Most Environmentally Conscious Visitor Attraction’ to the 1999 Winner for the Wet Tropics Management Authority Cassowary Award and then there was the 2000 Winner for British Airways ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ International Environment Award. The once controversial Skyrail Cableway is now a best practice model for ecotourism right from the construction phase through to ongoing operations. North Queensland is now renowned for providing a high quality rainforest ecotourism experience for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

If the task at hand is to ensure durable access to Mt Wellington’s splendour year round, the paramount objective should be for Mt Wellington Trust management preservation schemes to accommodate innovative projects, if indeed they achieve the smallest ecological footprint. Logically, Hobart stands to benefit in more ways than one by embracing cutting edge proposals, be they conventional or not, in order to heal some of the visible scars and restore a healthy balance between mountain and man.

Red Awnings Hobart

Red Heritage Hobart Tasmania

Is public opinion going to become the custodian of Tasmania’s Heritage? Well, with the sea of media interest surrounding the very public Red Awnings debate, a closer look at the impact of the media shows that this could be a possibility. After a few minutes on Google the following was revealed.  Type in ‘Red Awnings Hobart’ and you get  4,750 results, not including Facebook’s “Save the Red Awnings” site with 2,670 fans.

Then there was the “Save the Red Awnings” support rally outside of parliament house under the banner of Supporting Life Liberty & Beauty in Hobart that saw supporters carrying red balloons and symbolic red umbrellas. The rally was attended by Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings who personally likes the red awnings and although a passionate supporter of Tasmanian heritage she thought that in this instance the Heritage Council had got it wrong.

So what has ruffled the Hobartians feathers so much and created such a media frenzy? Well it’s all about the heritage listed former Saving Bank of Tasmania at 26 Murray Street Hobart. Originally being built to accommodate the Hobart Town Bank, latter becoming the Hobart Savings Bank then the Savings Bank of Tasmania. The building is over three storey high complete with basement and is regarded as a remarkable example of Mid – Victorian Regency architecture. The former bank has heritage listed buildings either side and stands across the Murray from the iconic Old Treasury building. There is no doubt that this local precinct of heritage buildings has a strong influence on Hobart’s historical architectural streetscape.

Problems surfaced for the owners when they installed the red awnings without Tasmanian Heritage Council approval and subsequent to their installation were ruled to be removed by the Heritage Council as they executed their mandate, causing mixed reviews in the public domain. Subsequent to the Tasmanian Heritage Councils decision the matter then proceeded to the Hobart City Councils Development and Environmental Services Committee who moved that the red awnings should remain despite council planning officers recommending their removal.

So what we can now reflect on is that the decision as to whether the awnings are in fact compatible with the building’s heritage values in Murray Street appears to be based on Populist opinion, or so it seems.

The Priory Country Lodge

An Ode to the Past and Present

It’s a chilly winter’s morning at Bothwell, in central Tasmania. The mists have rolled in and the gentle falling of rain drums lightly on the century old tin roof of the Inn which once welcomed and warmed travellers, merchants, farmers and pioneers of many descriptions.

The fireplaces crackle and the comforting aroma of freshly baking bread wafts through the enveloping embrace of the house. This is the site where many an inspiration has been divined and where the marriage of past and present was never a happier one. This is where country gentleman and bare-knuckled grazier alike meet and forged a new community. This is also where the first Australian golf course was born, is now the site of a world-class distillery, and is providore and purveyor of some of the most sought after produce in the world. This is where purity of product and freshness of air, water, soil and rain deliver up their pristine bounty. This is Bothwell.

Yes, the town is famous for its magnificent, authentic, old-world architecture and charm. It is like stepping back in time and re-capturing the simplicity and essence that defined it. But it is much more than all of these things. It is about the gathering up of all that the past offered us in resilience, stability, confidence and hope and bestowing that upon the future generations. It is about taking the strength of the past and forging it with the promise of what’s to come. It’s about endurance, courage, strength, tenacity and fulfilment.

The tourist sites are awash with information about Bothwell – replete with facts and figures that both amaze and dazzle us with what has gone before. But, to get to the real depths of the romance and attraction of Bothwell we must peel away the veneer of ‘pleasant sites to see’ and discover that who we are today is a total result of who we were yesterday and how we dealt with challenges then and now. It is about recognising the ties that bind us to yesterday in order to find the strength and courage for tomorrow.

Living, breathing, eating, sleeping and viscerally experiencing the present in a place like Bothwell, can only ever excite the senses in anticipation of tomorrow, for if yesterday was so solid, comforting, challenging and vibrant, then surely the best is yet to be.

So, if you have the chance to be steeped in the historical ambience of Bothwell, take it, embrace it, learn from it and enjoy it – and if you are lucky enough to be able to partake of its pleasures, then cheers and hurrahs to you. And if you are lucky enough to be able to purchase  your own piece of Bothwell then welcome to an exclusive group of owners whose greatest delight is revelling in the past and its grandeur and glory whilst simultaneously warming in the glow of knowing that the future is certain, good, solid and full of hope.

Oatlands Tasmania

Oatlands Tasmania

Located in the Historic Midlands town of Oatlands, this property is only a minutes’ walk to the Georgian Precinct, Carlington Mill and Lake Dulverton. Oatlands features one of the largest collections of colonial sandstone buildings in any Australian town.

Occupying a commanding position on High Street, at the southern entrance to Oatlands stands this Californian Bungalow inspired three-bedroom Manor House constructed of local sandstone and built in the 1930’s. At the rear of the property along the Stanley Street front is a three bedroom Sandstone Colonial Cottage.

Occupying the balance of the 3139m² property is the Common, which has been lovingly crafted into a botanical garden with an abundance of seasonal flowering plants and shrubs and pathways adorned with well-manicured rose gardens of mixed varieties.

The Manor House comprises both formal and casual living spaces with the latter capturing the visual splendour of the gardens while maintaining a cosy sunny ambience. Just off the entrance foyer is access to a full length dormer-style parent’s retreat complete with ensuite.

The sandstone Colonial Cottage features a full length verandah with a centrally located front entrance, which leads you into a generously proportioned dining/ kitchen area, separate living room and master bedroom with ensuite. The dormer is occupied by two bedrooms.

Tasmanian Heritage - Tunbridge Cottage

Tasmanian Heritage – Tunbridge Cottage

Located along the midlands highway between Launceston and Hobart, lays this quaint 19th century cottage in the historic town of Tunbridge. The cottage is advantageously positioned in the central midlands and affords owners the ability to explore and appreciate all that this historic region has to offer.

The cottage has undergone sympathetic renovations that enable residents to indulge in the historical charm of the building, whilst being afforded the luxury of modern fixtures and fittings. The high ceilings of the cottage create a light, spacious ambience and have allowed for a unique generous sized loft above the master bedroom.

The warm historical character of the cottage is attributed to the presences of two large operating masonry fire places, one with inbuilt wood heater, exposed interior ceiling shingles and rafters and covered veranda adorning the facade of the building.

The external features of the property are impressive, offering a large grassed area, garden storage and undercover patio to the rear. The property is gracefully complimented by lush decorative well landscaped gardens, proven a delight for residents and passers by all year round.

The cottage and grounds are a fine example of a combination of historical charm and modern sophistication.

Tasmanian Heritage Estate - Roslyn

Tasmanian Heritage Estate – Roslyn

Tasmanian Heritage Estate – Roslyn features a grand old country home of  59 squares  set on 22 undulating acres. With views over the historic Derwent valley the vista has an ever changing seasonal landscape that one could never tire of. The image of distant mountains coupled with a foreground of hop fields and poplars, accompanied by the docile rhythmic movement of the homesteads small heard of grazing cattle, and the scent of the hundred year old magnolias, inspires the senses and conjures up a romantic tranquillity within.

Roslyn homestead is nestled within the picturesque Derwent Valley. The region is renowned for its hop farms, with Bushy Park considered the hop growing capitol of Australia. The alluring Derwent Valley is the gateway to Mt Field National Park and the Western Tasmania World Heritage Area and is comprised of fertile land, rolling green hills, lush lakes and flowing rivers.
The original house was constructed by William Blyth Esq. in 1859 and with latter editions total 59 squares (555 sq.m’s). The building was strategically built at the foothills sheltering it from both the southerly and westerly winds. The buildings unique architectural style of Victorian Free Gothic, with its two storey twin gabled design, is recognised by the Tasmania Heritage Council as a significant example of an historical structure and as an important component of the rural landscape of the region.
Roslyn previously formed part of the Bushy Park Estate and since its construction, has been home to six families. Current owners Catherine and Alistair visited Tasmania for a holiday and stayed for a lifestyle enjoying all that Roslyn has to offer for more than 9 years. With its seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, spacious farm kitchen, numerous fireplaces, formal and informal living areas as well as a generous sized stable and machinery shed, dam and the benefit of town water, Roslyn makes an ideal family home.
The natural charm of this heritage building accompanied by the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscape captivates all that have the pleasure of visiting and living on this unique slice of paradise.

John Hart and Cluden - Part Of Tasmanian Heritage

John Hart and Cluden -  Part of Tasmanian Heritage

John, second eldest to William Doubleday HART,  settled in Deloraine and established the Deloraine Supply Co. The “Biographical Register of the Tasmanian Parliament” records  him  serving  time as a  carpenter and then travelling  to the Californian Golf Fields in 1852,returning in 1853 settling in Deloraine as a Storekeeper and grain merchant. P.M.(Mac) Hart (1995), in his book “The Hart Family”, has expanded on the Californian trip.  Mac Hart refers to information provided by Oscar Hart, grandson of John Hart suggesting that his grandfather, John Hart, was engaged in financing grain shipments to the Californian gold fields in partnership with a ship owner and captain who later disappeared taking with him all the partnership funds.

John Hart married Mary Ann Poole, eldest daughter of the Nathaniel Poole  on 11 July 1859. They were married by Rev Mr. M’Intyre in Deloraine and together had nine children, John Robert (b.1860), Nathaniel (1861-1939), Ralph William (1863-1924), Lewis Walter (1864-1949), Edward Henry (b.1867), Alice Bertha (1868-1958), Helena (1870-1870), Lucy Maud (b.1872), and Alfred Ernest (1875-1875). Helena only lived for two weeks and Alfred Ernest also died soon after birth. Mary Ann Hart (nee Poole) died at Deloraine on 22 July 1875, aged 45, just a week after giving birth to Alfred Ernest.

In 1860 John Hart contracted Mr Tidey to build the Bluestone grain store which sits at the rear of Cluden and fronts Parsonage Street. The building, now Heritage listed, was later used as a warehouse for Sullivans Store in the 1930s to 1940s and as an artist’s gallery and studio in the early 1980’s.

On 2  November, 1863, Deloraine was declared a municipality after the introduction of an act in the Tasmanian Parliament (dated 1957) which allowed for the establishment of rural municipalities in districts where 50 or more owners or occupiers requested them. On 2 November, 1863, Deloraine was declared a municipality and on 18^th December the elections took place. There were twenty two candidates standing for seven seats. John Hart was elected into position receiving the highest individual count, a testament to his popularity in the community. The other six councillors elected were William Archer, John Field, James Richie, A Wigan, A.F.Rooke and S.Shorey.

Of all the surviving children of John and Mary Ann Hart, three seem to have worked for varying periods in the Deloraine Supply Co.

The eldest son, John Robert was educated in Deloraine and Launceston and after leaving school joined his father in the business. John married Emily Maud Marie (nee Cummins) and they had a son and two daughters. At age 30 John pursued a career in banking and was later transferred to Waratah and Devonport. During a period of his working life he immigrated to South Africa and was involved in dairy farming. On his return he farmed in the Scottsdale district eventually retiring in Ilfraville.

The second eldest, Lewis Walter never married and seems to have worked continuously for the Deloraine Supply Co.

Nathaniel, the third son who was engaged in the business of Deloraine Supply Co was also involved in banking. Mac Hart, in “The Hart Family”, considers the possibility that the bank branches were in the Deloraine Supply Co’s premises in Barrack Street. This would most probably be in the Emu Bay Road stores. Nathaniel married Louisa Jane  (nee Abey) in 1888 and together they had three children, Irena Leila (b.1888), Eric Albyn (b.1890), and Leonard Ralph (b.1891).

On 3 December 1884, John Hart, aged 58, married his second wife, Mary Anne (nee Huett), aged 25, at her father’s property, Harbourne Estate”. Marry Anne was born to John Hucklebridge Huett and his first wife, Agnes Skinner. In his will John Hart appointed three executors, one being John Hucklebridge Huett, his father in law. On 15 January 1901 Mary Anne Hart , now aged 41 goes on to marry William Hollyman (aged 67), a Retired Master Mariner. Mary Ann was William Hollyman’s second wife.

On 26 July 1886, John Hart was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly for electorate of Deloraine, a position he held till being defeated in the 1893 elections. On the 8 September 1896 John Hart passed away.

The Mercury newspaper carried the following story on 10 September 1896 (page 3):-

TASMANIAN TELEGRAMS

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT)

_____________

DEATH OF MR.JOHN HART, OF

DELORAINE

LAUNCESTON,WEDNESDAY.

Information has been received, with regret, to-day of the death of Mr. John Hart, of Deloraine, which took place suddenly at his residence there last night.

He was 68 years of age, and although feeling a trifle out of sorts yesterday he was well enough to attend to business, and retired to bed at his usual time, but shortly after he was seized with apoplexy and passed quietly away.

Deceased settled in Deloraine in 1854 as storekeeper, and had been a prominent and popular resident ever since, taking part, as he did in every movement for the advancement of the community. He was elected to the first Municipal Council in 1863, and with the exception of one year retained his seat till the time of his death, having been several times Warden. He represented the district in the House of Assembly from 1886 till 1893, when he was defeated by Mr. Norman Cameron. He was coroner for the territory and a magistrate, and took an active interest in musical and horticultural affairs. He has several brothers in the colony, among them being the Hon. Wm. Hart M.L.C., and he leaves a widow and family of five sons and two daughters, his eldest son occupying the position of bank manager at Waratah.

____________________

In reading John’s will it would appear that he had already handed over the business to his son Nathaniel. There is vague reference in his will as to the ownership of Cluden. However, Cluden remained in the family for several decades after John’s death. John’s will reflects the equality he placed on his relationships with his children and shows a  measured fairness towards his second wife, Mary Anne, who had not born any children in the marriage but shared with him with the most youthful part of her life.

The will reads as follows:

John Hart of Deloraine in Tasmania being at the present time in good health and of sound mind make this my last will and testament. That as from after my death as can be conveniently done to advantage, any and all property that I may be possessed of at the time of my death be sold, and the proceeds and together with my monies I may have including my life insurance be divided and paid as follows. One fourth of Estate to wife Mary Ann, formerly Mary Ann Huett and the balance to be then equally divided between my five sons and two daughters viz.  John Robert, Nathaniel, Ralph William. Lewis Walter, Edward Henry, Alice Bertha and Lucy Maud and I appoint my brother Anthony Hart of Launceston, Jonathon Graham of Deloraine and John Hucklebridge  Huett  of Whiteford Hills as my executors.

Signed 28 May 1889.

Old Colonial Georgian Handy Launceston Tasmania

Old Colonial Georgian

CLUDEN – Included on the Register of the National Estate and Tasmanian Heritage Register as a single story Old Colonial Georgian house with rear dormer area occupying by three bedrooms. Cluden presents as a bold statement occupying a corner position within the streetscape and is a short walk to the central shopping precinct of Deloraine, which is handy to Launceston,Tasmania.

A focal feature of the facade is the fine cast iron balustrade made by the then renowned Sir Peter Russell Foundry of Sydney.

Cluden was occupied during part of the late Twentieth Century by the Department of Agriculture and features in the noted reference book Early Houses of Northern Tasmania by Robertson and Craig.

Later alterations at the rear of the residence enhance the warmth and provide natural lighting through the addition of floor to ceiling glass panelling, sympathetic to the character of the house.

Established gardens throughout the property are watered by a reticulation system in selected areas offering ease of care and maintenance.

For further details contact NationRE

Roslyn Homestead Bushy Park Near Hobart Tasmania

Dreaming Along Uxbridge Road

Most of us know what it’s like. We’ve usually lived the mayhem at one stage or another – city traffic, appointments, schedules, meetings, deadlines, children’s bookings, play dates, rosters, shopping, petrol…. It does feel like it goes on and on. And it feels that way, because it really does go on and on. There is apparently no end to the roles and responsibilities that demand incessant attention. And that’s the way it was with Alistair and Catherine. In fact they felt under so much pressure that they felt they had to have a holiday – now.

Of all the destinations they considered, they found themselves drawn to Tasmania – a place to get away from the grind and relax in temperate and idyllic surrounds. They toured historic, captivating Hobart and were impressed with the nation’s best food, wine and produce. They loved the heritage offerings of Salamanca Place and were quickly surrounded and comforted by the charm and ease of living in this peaceful isle.

Then it happened. They were driving through one of Tasmania’s tourist Meccas – The Derwent Valley, along the country roads, through the green hills and bewitching villages, and drove straight into Bushy Park – a small town that some have described as an oasis of Old England.  It is probably most famous for its hop growing – there are fields of them in abundance. And it is due to this area that some of Tasmania’s purest brews are able to boast their world-class superiority.

But along Uxbridge Road was the estate that enthralled them at the first instance. In short, it was love at first sight – a white 59square home that eased into the environment with the promise of staying a while. The rambling gardens were the first feature to inspire them – a magnolia that was over a hundred years old. Park like areas where you could walk, dream, gather inspiration and plan great adventures were abundant.

And then there was the inside. Stepping into a house that has been around creating history since 1859, is quite an experience. The drawing room overflows with old-world enchantment and is a step into the late 1800’s and one could easily expect a breathless Jane Austen to slump down by the table and begin her newest ‘racy’ novel, after having roamed the dells and vales extrapolating on the twists and turns of nineteenth century life (even though the numbers don’t quite add up).

The kitchen hearth was soothing and responsible for the creation of the world’s best comfort foods – scones, hot bread, soul-warming stews and roasts, not to mention the home-grown vegetables and orchard fruits. The comfortable beds, warm welcomes and the sounds of laughter all underscored and highlighted the absolute enchantment of the estate.

Alaistair and Catherine returned to their busy city lives still enveloped by the aura of Roslyn Homestead. Catherine in particular could not shake the feeling of wanting to be back in The Derwent Valley. Six months later she found her position at work had been made redundant – and to her great surprise found Roslyn to be available for purchase. They wasted no time in availing themselves of this grand opportunity and rejoicing in finally being able to live the lifestyle they had been yearning for.

Now, after many years, many grandchildren and a couple of great grandchildren, Alaistair and Catherine have decided it is time to be in a smaller place and allow someone else the great honour of being the 6^th owners of Roslyn Homestead. It is time for someone else to explore gardens, plant seeds for the future, cook wonderful repasts of great delight and enjoy the hearths and rooms that have long brought solace and security.

For more information about Roslyn, please visit: www.nationre.com.au and ask to speak to Verne.