WERONA
WERONA
Boutique Heritage B&B Accommodation in Launceston, Tasmania
In 2022, Stephen started a new venture in order to create some stability into his life post-covid, and to also generate some extra income into his “retirement” years. Having found and purchased this magnificent Heritage Listed property he set out to re-establish it as a beautiful Art Nouveaux Bed and Breakfast that all could enjoy. Bookings can be made directly or via Airbnb.
Currently there are four rooms available:
The Mary Room – a Queen-sized bed with ensuite
The Thomas Room – a Queen-sized bed with ensuite
The Pauline Room – a double bed and a single bed with ensuite
The Fredrick Suite – a full suite with King-sized bed, large ensuite, lounge, refrigerator and microwave suitable for longer stays, and magnificent views across the city and down the Tamar River.
All Rooms have access to a comfortable lounge with tea and coffee facilities, and a light refreshing breakfast in the stunning Dining Room each morning which features historic leadlight windows between 8am and 9am.
CONTACTS FOR BOOKINGS
M: 0419 780 701 (leave a message)
E: stephen_leek@hotmail.com
AirBnB.com.au
Details about the house
This heritage-listed grand house set high above the city of Launceston, “Werona” was completed in 1910 after an extensive three-year building program. Commissioned by the first owners – the Stanwix – as a family home to parents and 6 children, it remained in this family until 1994. It was then extensively refurbished to include ensuite bathrooms whilst retaining all of the original features. The restoration won the “National Restoration Award for a Historic Property” in 1995 when it was tastefully brought back to life as a Bed and Breakfast with full modern amenities. Following a decade or so as a B&B it then went into private ownership for another decade before being purchased by Stephen Leek. In order to bring the iconic building back to life and allowing the public to stay and enjoy the beauty of the building, Leek, along with his own antique furniture and touches of decor, has brought this magnificent the home into the 21st Century.
The building sits high on the hill in the suburb of Trevallyn overlooking the City of Launceston and the Tamar River. It is within walking distance to the city attractions including Kings Bridge and the famous Cataract Gorge. The house was built on a solid foundation of bluestone blocks that were cut from the local quarry and allowed to sit in place for two years before building commenced. The little cottage next door was used a residence for the family during the three years the building was under construction.
The stables and coach house, which is now the double garage adjacent to the house, was built in 1885. The construction is made of triple brick with thick walls to counter the extremes of the Tasmanian temperatures and the strong winds experienced in Launceston. A three metre underground tunnel connecting the house and the garage, was dug during the restorations of 1994.
The exterior of the house is in the Edwardian/ Federation style whilst the interiors are adorned with various types of Art Nouveaux and Arts and Crafts Movement features – styles that were flourishing in Europe at the time. Rare interior friezes and detailed hand painted ceilings are a feature of the property – this is a woodworkers dream property. The carpet throughout the house was remade and replaced in 1994 based on fragments of the original carpet that were found on the stairs.
“…..one of the finest examples of Art Nouveaux and Arts and Crafts interiors in Australia” International Art Nouveaux Society
This is truly a magnificent home which Stephen has opened up to guests through the Bed and Breakfast.
Examples of Guest feedback
“Spectacular home, wonderful host in every respect, made a great trip to Tasmania awesome!” Bryce – Sydney
“Loved my stay here! Not often have I been in a house in Oz with this much character.” Marco – The Netherlands
“We basked in the majestic architecture of the building and immensely enjoyed the hospitality.” Behzad – Brisbane
“Thank you Stephen. You made our stay enjoyable and memorable. You have a great place with great ambience, and you have been a wonderful host.” Rohan and Dilka – Sri Lanka
“Just the most wonderful house and furnishings – lovely host – friendly… and couldn’t have had a better night’s sleep. A special place and will return.” Jerri – Lismore
“Staying at Stephen’s place was quite an experience! More than just accommodation: he and his amazing house are both fascinating on so many levels (pun intended)! My children and I absolutely adored our night and our beautifully presented, generous breakfast (excellent coffee!), as well as all the artwork, musical instruments and interactions with the 2 friendly old cats. The linen was spotless and the beds are like clouds. Stephen is extremely friendly, but not at all intrusive: I get the impression he will interact with you as much or as little as you indicate you would like! Personally, I would like to have talked longer, but unfortunately we didn’t have a lot of time. We would definitely come back.” Skye – Hobart