The Woodbridge Luxury Boutique Hotel Tasmania Celebrates 200 Years
Announcement posted by Impressions Marketing Communications 19 Nov 2024
Luxury boutique hotel, The Woodbridge Tasmania, is set to celebrate the historic building's 200th year in 2025. The Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency The Honourable Barbara Baker AC and other dignitaries have been invited to mark the occasion at the grand mansion on 2 February 2025.
Hand built by convicts in 1825 on the riverbank at New Norfolk as a home for the first Constable/Magistrate of the fledgeling colony, The Woodbridge is one of Australia's oldest historic houses. Now a private luxe hotel, renowned for understated elegance and personalised service, The Woodbridge offers a rare opportunity for guests to experience Tasmania's early colonial history while staying just 30 minutes from Hobart.
Lovingly restored by Laurelle and John Grimley, who bought the property in 2003, the heritage-listed mansion was in grave disrepair when the Grimleys first set eyes on it. They stumbled upon the derelict Derwent Valley icon during a Tasmanian holiday - it was love at first sight for Laurelle. " I am a 'Duchess of Duke Street' and 'Downton Abbey' tragic, " Laurelle admits, "and have seen the BBC series 'Pride and Prejudice' so often that I can quote it verbatim!" Today she is living the dream as custodian of this historic gem in its new role as luxury accommodation with breath-taking river views, a rich history, and a charming relaxed style.
"A guest once described The Woodbridge as less of a hotel and more like being given the keys to a friend's country mansion," Laurelle explains. "I like that. There is such an authenticity to The Woodbridge. Every room has its own individual character because all of our rooms and suites are in the actual heritage-listed house."
The hotel is an ideal base for exploring all of Southern Tasmania. Located in the newly emerging food and beverages mecca around New Norfolk, guests are well positioned to visit nearby Mount Field National Park, Mona, and a myriad of world-class vineyards and distilleries. From outdoor pursuits such as the Maydena Bike Park and platypus spotting by kayak, to taking a ten-minute stroll to The Agrarian Kitchen for a long lunch, guests can soak up all that the Derwent Valley and beyond has to offer.
"It is such a momentous time for us all with The Woodbridge reaching the grand old age of 200," Laurelle says as she plans invitation lists and checks protocols. "The building was so close to being condemned, but we can now look forward to the next 200 years, and people can continue to share this very special place."
"Thinking of the state it was in, we feel honoured to have breathed new life back into this magnificent old building," John adds. "During 2004 and 2005 we set about restoring it, repurposing it to then become a Small Luxury Hotel of the World. Of course we did not do this single-handedly, and we were fortunate to pull together a select and talented team of predominantly local craftsmen."
When completed, The Woodbridge was awarded the H.I.A. Tasmanian Restoration of the Year 2005. It was then nominated for the Australian H.I.A. Awards and in 2006 it was named H.I.A. Australian Restoration of the Year.
The entire project was funded by the Grimleys personally without any government or Heritage funding. "We realised that if The Woodbridge was to have a future, then it had to be able to pay its way," Laurelle reflected. "So we tried to combine the historical elements of The Woodbridge with the modern amenity required by today's guests. Thankfully smooth modern lines and furniture blend quite seamlessly with the no-fuss Georgian architecture and the warm tones of blackwood floors, original paned windows, stone walls and hand-made bricks offered a beautiful canvas to build on. We are delighted that we were able to modernise The Woodbridge without compromising its rich history."
The Woodbridge stands as a testament to Laurelle and John who said, "This building must be saved. If not now, when? If not us, who?" Asked about future plans, the Grimleys, who admit to being closer to 80 than to 70, said that they recognise that the time is fast approaching for them to pass the baton, so that The Woodbridge will be able to continue to offer warm country hospitality for many years to come.
"We are thrilled to be here to celebrate The Woodbridge's bicentenary," said Laurelle.
"The birthday celebration will be combined with the celebration of the restoration 20 years ago. The tradespeople from the restoration will be among our VIP guests, allowing us the opportunity to acknowledge the quality work and commitment of the team who made it all happen."
For more information visit: www.woodbridgenn.com.au
ENDS
Contact: W: www.woodbridgenn.com.au M: 0417 996 305 E: info@woodbridgenn.com.au 6 Bridge St, New Norfolk TAS 7140
Social: www.facebook.com/woodbridgeonthederwent www.instagram.com/thewoodbridgetasmania
PR follow up please email Tracey@impressionsmc.com.au