Hobart Accommodations: Check out 5 Stunning Modern Renovations
Expand your view of Hobart accommodations and stay at one of these five stunning renovations, from barn to schoolhouse.
We absolutely adored our time in Hobart last Christmas, and are already planning a return trip! Hobart has everything we love about Sydney: the accessible waterfront and beaches, historic architecture, modern museums, and phenomenal food – but with 3 million less people.
The historic architecture and modern museums create a culture that welcomes and supports stunning, and creative renovations of historical buildings. Even better, the small but steady stream of tourists mean that many of these buildings are available for short term rentals! We found a striking church school house renovation in on Airbnb and treasured even minute of our brief stay. Upon more searching, I found several other modern restorations that I would love to visit. Please do not stay in a boring, standard hotel, and rent one of these impressive, unique locations instead.
Also, by using our link to book you will receive $33AUD off your first stay on Airbnb.
Restored Schoolhouses
When we opened the doors to our chosen Airbnb, a converted church school house, I breathed in the open floor plan, beautiful timber, lovely modern kitchen, looked at John and said “this is my dream house”. I appreciated the owner’s ability to highlight the character and charm of the original building, while including modern luxuries (that bathroom…). In order to maintain the interior architectural integrity, no walls were added; however, carefully placed book shelves provide privacy and block some of the light from the other living areas.
While not in the CBD, we enjoyed the North Hobart location. The house backs up to a shared garden on a quiet street. Beyond the neighborhood, you can walk out to Argyle St, and find several tasty restaurants. We sampled some takeaway at the Italian Pantry, and feasted on the best freshly made noodles and sauce.
The Bishopscourt school house is another example of a modern, yet classic renovation on a historically significant property. While the property offers a range of apartment rentals, this one enticed me because of the intersection of vintage and contemporary (you can see a fully list of the rental properties here). The building was updated and expanded in 2014 to include a large kitchen and second bedroom. Within the original schoolhouse, you can enjoy the soaring vaulted ceilings from the main bedroom or cosy living room with a gas fireplace. The two bedroom unit will easily sleep four, with the option to add a cot. Be aware that the kitchenette does not include cooking facilities, although there is a BBQ outside. Read more about the renovations here.
Restored Barns
The Barn was the first property to make me say, “oh wow, we really need to go back to Tasmania”. The property is small, as it is a renovated stable barn from the 1820s. The couple who renovated the building are young architects living in Hobart, they originally obtained funding for the space to be their home, but after winning multiple awards, they decided to primarily rent out the space. You can read more about their story and the process of designing and building it here.
I love how painstakingly the modern elements were added to the house to make it liveable, without detracting from the historical elements: exposed sandstone inside and out, timber beams, and even the original stable walls (which now provide privacy to the bathroom). The small abode could fit our three person family, but would struggle to hold much more than that. It is located in the heart of the CBD, walking distance to Salamanca and Battery Point, with heaps of incredible dining nearby!.
Stone Flower BarnI can’t help but include this second renovated barn, because the photos are phenomenal. This 1830s barn was transformed into a stylish, modern one bedroom apartment. The architect combined the heritage stone with polished concrete, natural oak and stone for a stunning restoration. Architecture AU published an informative and visually rich article about the restoration process that I highly suggest. I just want to sleep in that upstairs bed under the vaulted, exposed beams!
While not a family friendly accommodation, it would be lovely for a couple or solo traveler seeking a unique modern abode. The apartment is located in West Hobart, which is an easy 15 minute walk into the CBD and Salamanca markets.
Restored Mill
The pictures of this converted flour mill apartment brought back memories of living in a restored cracker factory with JZ. I love the soaring ceilings with exposed beams, rustic timber floors, and brick walls. The apartment is located in the Gibson’s City Flour Mill, which operated for three generations beginning in the 1890s. The location is amazing for strolling around the CBD, eating at amazing restaurants, or admiring the waterfront.
The entire building has been converted into rentals and apartments, but I appreciated the loving, homey touches on this particular modern apartment. The expansive Hobart unit boasts all the features I loved about our place, plus luxurious finishings and a welcoming host. The apartment has 4 bedrooms and 2 baths, making it perfect for a larger family or multiple families traveling together.
Have you stayed in a lovely restored home/barn/mill? We’d love to hear about it!
