Sandy Bay pad is a baker’s delight
If you’re looking for a romantic place in a peaceful, luxurious setting in which to base yourself while you explore Hobart and beyond, this former bakery turned urban oasis is just the spot, writes Kirsty Eade.
TasWeekend
Don't miss out on the headlines from TasWeekend. Followed categories will be added to My News.
If Charles Braithwaite was still alive I’m sure he’d be mightily impressed with the transformation of his former Hobart bakery into the stylish, sophisticated urban retreat that it is today.
The heritage-listed Airbnb, located in the heart of picture-perfect Sandy Bay, is a luxurious apartment complete with a sunny courtyard that features an outdoor bath and offers guests a peaceful, private oasis close to the sights, cafes and restaurants of both Salamanca and the city.
Originally constructed as a bakery by C. Braithwaite in the 1880s, the front of the property was later rebuilt in the Art Deco style and operated as a corner store until the 1960s. Now the rear of the bakery has been transformed into a spacious, private, one-bedroom apartment that can comfortably accommodate a couple or solo travellers.
Thanks to the meticulous re-imagination and rebuild of the original structure, new owners Alix and John have created the perfect blend of old and new.
Alix tells me it was a real labour of love creating and building their new pied-a-terre and the couple was keen to retain as many of the historic elements of the property as possible.
“As it is heritage listed we were bound by certain things we needed to keep but we were also happy to do this, as it all helped add to the property’s rich, storied past,” she says.
“We used the original bricks known as ‘Hobart reds’ John salvaged from the property to create the apartment’s thick, triple brick walls and we took the original external door to the backyard – we retained the original paint and added the brass kickplate – and turned it into a sliding door for the bathroom and we also kept the old grapevine in the courtyard which was planted by one of the property’s first owners.”
She says the discovery of an old trunk in the ceiling of the structure during construction was an unexpected windfall.
“We turned the trunk into the coffee table that now sits in the centre of the living room but the real bonus was that it was filled with a bunch of old photos and family recipes – (such as blueberry cake and banana bread) that we’ve been able to turn into artworks to decorate the walls – which is lovely. And the photos of the family trips add a nice history to the place … it really helps keep the spirit of Charles Braithwaite alive,” she says.
With all these authentic touches, as well as other nods to the past such as the cooking utensils including wooden spoons, spatulas and bakers’ peels adorning the apartment’s walls and the other finds such as the vintage floral Axminster carpet they had re-bound and re-stitched, I am sure Charles would feel right at home in these new digs.
As did we, when we enjoyed a midweek stay in the luxurious abode a few weeks ago.
The Airbnb is located in a gem of a spot and even though you’re only a five-minute walk from the cafes and eateries of Sandy Bay and 15-minute walk to Salamanca, the apartment is in a quiet neighbourhood and once inside its thick walls you feel as if you’re in your own private sanctuary.
The sunny courtyard garden that contains a freestanding, full-sized outdoor bath – perfect for luxuriating and relaxing in while reading a book – adds to the property’s oasis feeling. And the addition of twinkly fairy lights and candles makes the outdoor space a perfect spot for some romantic night-time bathing.
Aside from all the charming old touches, the apartment is also beautifully appointed and has every modern convenience guests could want and need. And to be honest, even though we dined out on both nights of our stay it was hard to drag ourselves away from the apartment – it’s so welcoming and snug I would have been happy to stay in the whole time.
The living space includes a compact fully equipped kitchen with induction cooktop and oven and the pantry is generously stocked with a good selection of teas, ground coffee and hot chocolate. There are also coffee-making facilities such as a plunger and stovetop espresso maker available for use.
During our visit the hosts had also generously left us several thoughtful little Tassie treats such as locally made Elly’s smokey maple popcorn, a couple of cans of Spreyton Cider Co.’s sparkling apple cider and fresh Ashgrove milk.
The living area includes an expansive velvet daybed, TV with streaming services and a cosy gas fire, and the glass-cornered dining area – which is made toasty by the sun streaming in through the thick double-glazed windows – is the perfect spot for brekkie.
The bedroom in which we had a beautiful night’s rest features a super-comfy, king-sized bed decked out with luxurious, dreamy linens, flanked by soft, warm English Leicester sheepskins sourced from a Derwent Valley farm.
The bedroom also contains a snug little reading nook that is the perfect place to curl up with a book.
I really loved everything in the beautifully appointed apartment but I’d have to say the spacious bathroom was one of my favourite things. With its walk-in rain shower, glossy forest green tiles, retro vintage pedestal hand basin, aged-brass tapware and terrazzo floor tiles that are heated from below, perfect for those cold Hobart mornings, it really is the epitome of understated luxury.
So if you’re looking for a romantic, luxurious place in a peaceful, private setting, in which to base yourself while you explore all of Hobart’s exciting new attractions, as well as its rich history-filled past, this urban oasis is just the spot.
The author was a guest of Braithwaite
MAKE A NOTE
Braithwaite Hobart is located in Sandy Bay; specific location details are provided upon booking.
Accommodation at the luxurious one-bedroom apartment, which is ideal for a couple or solo travellers, starts from $275 per night (or $250 per night, plus a cleaning fee of $50 which is a one-off expense for the duration of the stay).
One-night stays are welcomed.
The accommodation is not suitable for children or pets.
It is an all-inclusive stay and guests of any background or community are welcome.
To book or for further information
phone 0416 255 456 or go to
hello@braithwaitehobart.com or
www.braithwaitehobart.com
New Hobart CBD deli’s sangers are a cut above
If you’re a sandwich lover – and if you’re not, you will be after trying one of these – you should head to this new Hobart eatery, as both the food and service are outstanding, writes Alix Davis
“Riveting”: foodie Matthew Evans unveils thought-provoking book
“You won’t look at your bowl of cornflakes in quite the same way”: Find out why Tassie’s Gourmet Farmer Matthew Evans decided to explore the fascinating world of milk in his latest book