Triabunna Barracks is reborn and rediscovered

An impeccable restoration by two former defence workers has turned the dilapidated shells of Triabunna’s former soldiers’ digs into unique and beautiful luxurious accommodation

Triabunna’s new luxury accommodation has been resurrected from the crumbling ruins of an old pair of colonial soldiers’ barracks and transformed into something that is truly beautiful and unique.

Purchased by former Canberra defence workers John and Kim Samin about eight years ago, the set of classic two-storey 1840s sandstone barracks and adjoining stables had been sitting dormant for more than 50 years.

The Samins’ meticulous and painstaking restoration has turned the dilapidated shells of colonial era buildings into luxurious accommodation that compares to any of the projects featured on Grand Designs or Restoration Australia.

Originally two buildings, the barracks and stables are now joined by a contemporary glass tower that contains a grand entrance and staircase linking the accommodation suites, kitchen and lounge.

Triabunna Barracks’ grand new entrance. Picture SUPPLIED

The three suites retain the unique character and features of the original buildings, while incorporating the modern comforts of quality five-star accommodation.

Each room is a tribute to the property’s rich past where you can relax with a glass of wine and imagine what life must have been like in 1800s colonial Triabunna.

Our spacious room, the Loft, was fitted out with modern, tasteful furnishings featuring a generous kingsize bed with crisp linens and cosy mohair throw. The luxury bathroom has all the mod-cons you could ever need, including walk-in shower, a wonderfully deep freestanding bath and underfloor heating.

Triabunna Barracks’ lovely upstairs Loft suite, featuring a comfy kingsize bed with crisp white linens and cosy mohair throw, freestanding bath and original features such as thick sandstone walls and exposed rafters. Picture: Adam Gibson

All rooms feature state-of-the art technology such as the latest wall-mounted TVs and convenient movement sensor night lights, making those night time trips to the bathroom in an unfamiliar space all that much easier.

Complete with a well-appointed kitchenette, separate luggage storage area and snug lounge nook, the suites are more than just your usual hotel room, they’re more like a mini apartment.

The night we stayed we were met by super friendly hosts John and Kim who greeted us warmly with a platter of local cheeses and cured meats and a glass of Tasmanian bubbles and craft beer.

One of the Triabunna Barracks’ deep freestanding baths. Picture: Adam Gibson

As soon as we started chatting we couldn’t help but be impressed by the couple’s obvious love for their property and pride in the results of their impeccable restoration project.

Their passionate recounting of how they brought their heritage property back to life added to their warm welcome and it was obvious how pleased the couple were to be sharing the fruits of many years’ hard work with visitors.

John, a former military IT expert, has been hands-on in every aspect of the redevelopment – from the hand-cutting of sandstone for the front fence and massive outdoor pavers – to the creation of doors and benchtops sourced from timber that was salvaged from the building’s restoration. John and Kim’s creativity and desire to bring the building’s history to life is evident throughout the barracks.

Triabunna Barracks; exterior including the glass atrium, in the centre, which links the two 1840s sandstone buildings. Picture: Adam Gibson

One example is the entry tower’s polished concrete floors that include pieces of colonial-era glass and ceramics which Kim hand-sifted from the original ruins. As these slices of history were too beautiful to discard, they were added to the aggregate to create a shiny, sparkling way to greet visitors and another visual reminder of the story behind the renovation.

Another window to the building’s past can be found in a tall, glass cabinet near the door to the kitchen. The display has a range of artefacts unearthed during an archaeological dig untaken by Australian National University students and includes original glass soda bottles, ceramic toys and lead soldiers, as well as brass buttons featuring the regimental markings of the British 11th Regiment that was stationed in the Triabunna barracks.

The dilapidated Triabunna Barracks and Stables before the Samins’ impressive restoration.

When commenting that it must have been a challenging and extremely exhausting undertaking, to take the buildings from the crumbling shells that the Samins first laid eyes upon 14 years ago to the impressive buildings that exist today – John disagrees and quickly says: “Nope, I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.”

Aside from the revelation that is the Barracks themselves, another nice surprise was the discovery of the Spring Bay Hotel which is conveniently located next door.

Triabunna Barracks’ cosy lounge, on the ground floor, with comfy Chesterfield couches and toasty cast iron woodfire with honesty bar featuring Tasmanian spirits, wines and beers. Picture: Adam Gibson

The hotel is very much the hub of the local community and even though it is very much a country pub in both look and feel, it has a surprisingly diverse menu. The traditional pub staples are available, however, an authentic goat curry, bao buns and Japanese karaage chicken were unexpected menu items.

On the night we visited, we sampled bao buns, fresh gummy shark and the goat curry and all meals were excellent both in terms of taste and value for money. With the pub being right next door, you can enjoy a few drinks with your meal and then you don’t have far to get home.

Not only does the Barracks offer superb accommodation but you also get a great brekkie the next day which includes fresh eggs produced by Kim and John’s own chooks, homemade baked beans, fresh handmade sourdough as well as bacon and sausages sourced from the local Triabunna butcher over the road.

Triabunna Barracks’ kitchen, dining and cosy lounge which features the original hitching posts horses were tied to in the building’s former life as a stables. Picture: Adam Gibson

The kitchen, dining area and adjoining lounge with its comfy Chesterfield couches and cast iron woodfire and honesty bar featuring a range of local spirits, beers and wines would be the perfect place to relax with other guests and or friends before retreating to your room.

The cosy Barracks would be an ideal romantic, winter getaway for a couple wanting to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary or a group of couples could book out the entire property for a great weekend away with friends.

One of the Triabunna Barrack’s snug, lounge nooks. Picture: Adam Gibson

As the Maria Island ferry is at your front doorstep and Freycinet, Coles Bay and Orford only a short drive away, the Barracks is also a great base at any time of the year to explore the stunning East Coast.

The Samins are justifiably proud of their beautifully restored property. Kim and John believe they were blessed to find such a unique property for their retirement project with the added bonus of being welcomed into the wonderful Triabunna community.

But I think Triabunna is equally fortunate to have two people that have created such a masterpiece in the centre of their town.

The author was a guest of Triabunna Barracks

The Triabunna Barracks would make a great winter getaway but is also a great base at any time of the year to explore the beautiful East Coast.

MAKE A NOTE

• LOCATION

Triabunna Barracks is located at 3 Charles St, Triabunna,

About an hour’s drive from Hobart and two hours from Launceston.

• PRICE

Rooms start from $450 a night, which includes a cooked breakfast.

• WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Visit Maria Island and the beautiful East Coast beaches of Orford and Coles Bay or take a walk in the National Park at Freycinet.

• BOOKINGS

Phone [phone] or go to triabunnabarracks.com