A beautiful building nestled amongst historic buildings along Stanley’s iconic waterfront. The Ship Inn as it is now known started life in 1849, constructed by Michael Lyons, grandfather of the only Australian Prime Minister to hail from Tasmania, Joseph Lyons.
The building was destined to be a sailors pub called the “Shamrock” which was to be the buildings primary purpose (although renamed many times) until it ceased trading 1972, The building eventually transitioned into a guesthouse.
The Ship Inn’s current incarnation is thanks to the loving restoration work undertaken by current owners Kerry and Alastair Houston who in 2018 decided on a sea change from the bright city lights of Hobart with their young family, where Kerry worked in HR and Alastair as a master Stone Mason, it was this love of Stonework that proved the main draw card for the Houston’s.
“The building had been on the market for nearly a year before it occurred to us to take a look and once we saw the wonderful stonework we were hooked!”
With the heritage of the building being a focal point the Houston’s wanted to retain and revive as much of the heritage from the building’s previous lives as possible and to do this they gathered a team of designers, architects, and local trades persons to undertake the grand restoration of the collection of historic buildings from the Tasmanian Oak floors up.
“We were very keen to stay local and utilise local trades and suppliers as much as possible as it all helps contribute to our local community. Britton Timbers based in Smithton have a great reputation and our tradespeople recommended them highly”.
Since the completion of the restoration and opening its doors to the public The Ship Inn has being the pinnacle of opulence in the town of Stanley going on to win many awards and acclaim throughout the Tasmanian and Australia Hospitality Industry. Being a boutique accommodation offering with 7 suites + 2 apartments and sitting on an acre of lovingly landscaped gardens with a communal guest lounge, gym, and yoga studio – all based in the heart of Stanley on Tasmania’s beautiful Northwest coast.
“Ship Inn Stanley has won multiple awards, most recently silver in the Australian Tourism Awards for best 4.5-star accommodation, as well as gold in the best Superior Accommodation in the Australian Hotels Association Awards”.
Special Mentions –
– Britton Timbers Tasmania – Smithton
– Stylists – Lynda Gardener / Belle Hemming
– Architect – Denman & Associates
– Project Manager & Builder – Chris Armstrong
– Joinery – Smithton Joinery
– Electrical – Pat Dwyer electrical
– Plumbing – Roger Spink’s Plumbing
