Major milestone for a hotel with a 200-year history

 

One of Tasmania's most historic hotels will celebrate a milestone next year.

Luxury boutique hotel The Woodbridge Tasmania will mark the riverside building's 200th year in early 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 February 2.

Hand built by convicts in 1825, on the riverbank at New Norfolk as a home for the first Constable/Magistrate of the fledgling colony, The Woodbridge is one of Australia's oldest historic houses.

Now a private hotel, The Woodbridge takes guests back in time to the colonial era - and it is just 30 minutes from Hobart.

Restored by Laurelle and John Grimley, who bought the property in 2003, the heritage-listed mansion was in a state of disrepair when the Grimleys first set eyes on it.

The couple stumbled upon the derelict Derwent Valley icon during a Tasmanian holiday.

" I am a Duchess of Duke Street and Downton Abbey tragic," says "and have seen the BBC series Pride and Prejudice so often that I can quote it verbatim!"

The Woodbridge offers delightful river views, a rich history, and a relaxed style.

Guests are well located to visit nearby Mount Field National Park, wineries including Derwent Estate and Stefano Lubiana, and just a 10-minute stroll to The Agrarian Kitchen for a long lunch.

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 said. 

"So we tried to combine the historical elements of The Woodbridge with the modern amenity required by today's guests."

For more info visit www.woodbridgenn.com.au