The Story of Arcoona Manor
Arcoona is a magnificent historic house built in the Edwardian style and was completed in 1892. Its rich history in the picturesque village of Deloraine Tasmania started when it was built as a residence for Dr Cole and his family. It later became a maternity hospital where many of the local Delorainian’s were born before being refurbished in the early 1970’s for a private residence then a Bed and Breakfast. The latest refurbishment has refreshed this grand home with some modern comforts while retaining the original features.
The many original features including the stained glassed windows, light fittings, fire places and intricate cathedral timber ceilings and the servants bells which now all show case the grand ambiance of this historical and important building.
Today’s Bed and Breakfast guests can enjoy this warm and welcoming home with its 5 private luxurious suites, a majestic drawing room with open fire and baby grand piano, a formal dining room, the original ballroom which hosts breakfast along with a relaxing sitting area with fireplace and Dr Coles billiard room with its original full size table and furniture. Guests can enjoy a quiet read from the large range of books located in the drawing room library or select from the many dvd’s available.
Outside the wonderful 3 acres of gardens incorporating an orchard, veggie garden, croquet lawn and lots of private nooks are all available for guest’s enjoyment including the tranquility under the garden chandelier.
contemporary view of arcoona manor
Dr francis cole
Arcoona - The Early Years
Arcoona was designed by a local Deloraine architect called Mr H H Freeman, a good friend of the Cole family. Its construction of red brick, hewn bluestone foundations and Welsh slate on the roof was completed by the Launceston firm of Gunns, along with many local tradesman. The large carved bargeboards feature a Rose & Thistle entwined, stemming from the marriage of the English Dr Cole and his Scottish wife Janet.
Over 120 Years of History
Arcoona has had a variety of uses during its lifetime. While Dr Cole and his family lived here from 1892 to 1937, he used the back entrance near the Billiard room as a reception and doctors surgery until he retired in 1928, while the family lived in the rest of the house. After Dr Coles death in 1931, his wife and family lived in Arcoona until 1936.
For the next 30 years until 1967, Arcoona was a private hospital. You may find yourself having conversations with local people around Deloraine who will say: “Arcoona - I was born there”. Between the years 1967 – 1969, Arcoona was used as a Geriatric hospital. Then for a couple of years the local high school used buildings as overflow for typing and art classes.
In 1973, Pat and Geoff Woods purchased a decaying Arcoona and began the restoration back to a family home.
The late seventies through to the eighties saw Arcoona being operated as a boutique hotel for approx. 10 years, before reverting back to a private residence with a new set of owners.
In 2016, Arcoona was purchased by the current owner and has been refreshed and updated to operate as a Luxury Bed and Breakfast. We hope that you enjoy your stay in this historic and interesting home.
Arcoona - on the hill overlooking the meander river