Cremorne Point Manor celebrates its 110th year as a hotel with a modern $1m makeover

CREMORNE Point Manor marks its 110th anniversary this year and owner Jean-Claude Branch decided it was time to update.

Cremorne Point Manor owner Jean-Claude Branch. Picture: Virginia Young

One of the grand dames of the lower north shore has enjoyed a $1m makeover.

Cremorne Point Manor marks its 110th anniversary this year and owner Jean-Claude Branch decided it was time to update.

“It used to be that everyone wanted a desk, now everyone sits on their bed with their iPad,” he said.

“Two things we found people have to have is fast speed internet and easily accessible USB plugs so you can check your Facebook feed at three in the morning, which is what people do.”

The heritage-listed manor is one of Sydney’s longest continuously run hotels and Mr Branch has made extensive efforts to bring it up to date.

Cremorne Point Manor is a grand old dame on the outside ...

... but its rooms have all the modern comforts and conveniences.

Alongside the modern essentials such as luxury showers and flatscreen TVs, he has put an emphasis on art.

A six-metre long mosaic by Aboriginal artist Winston Walford is now one of the key features of the building. It took three mosaic artists four weeks to reproduce the painting of the artist’s thumbprint.

“As a guest you don’t want a generic experience, you want something quite interesting,” Mr Branch said.

Upgrading the building came with a series of challenges due to the heritage protection and he brought in a consultant to help him with the finer details.

The dining room features a six-metre long mosaic by artist Winston Walford.

He wanted a contemporary feel highlighting the traditional aspects and is extremely proud to continue the building’s heritage.

“Over the years you uncover what’s in the building,” he said.

“All you are really doing is making the experience up to date. You are just a custodian of the building.

“The building is going to be here long after me. You are aware that the buildings have lives and the lives continue on and you just work within the space as you can.

“In 30 or 40 years time it will be something else but hopefully it will still be accommodation.”