Hobart’s historic colonial and convict past is perfectly reflected in this quaint terrace of white washed old colonial Georgian sandstone two-storey cottages on the banks of the Jordan River on the old Midlands Highway at Pontville, 25 minutes from Hobart’s CBD.
Built between 1845-1855, and now operating as a successful tourist and visitor self-contained accommodation, its current owner has invested time, attention to detail and substantial investment to renovate the properties to a high standard, especially the bathrooms and bedrooms, yet retaining the beautiful convict built sandstone walls, original fireplaces, dormer bedrooms and historic charm.
History literally oozes from every wall. Lythgo’s Row was named after its creator William Lythgo, who was a convict turned free settler who became a police officer stationed at Pontville. He oversaw the building of the famous Pontville Bridge in 1842, built from sandstone quarried from the site on which Lythgo’s Row now sits. 150 years on, his descendants still live in the district.
Originally a combination of home and businesses, Lythgo’s Row now consists of quality accommodation, including 3 two bedroom apartments, one cottage and a six bedroom apartment, which was the original Georgian house on the southern end of the row of terraces. Some of the apartments have lovely courtyards, four poster King beds and all have beautiful designer bathrooms, antique furniture and quality fittings and furnishings.
The nearby Brighton industrial hub has added growth to the business from visiting professionals and workers to the district, as well as history buffs and tourists wanting to experience a part of yesteryear. With the church nearby and Twelve Stones Reception Centre adjacent, weddings in the beautiful gardens surrounding are also a feature of annual trade.
The properties are on two titles extending to the high water mark of the river and footings of the Bridge.