_The story of "Beaumaris House"

Built during the years 1879-1880 in the Victorian Gothic Revival style of the time, "Beaumaris" was commissioned by Henry Llewelyn Roberts and his wife Mary Grant Roberts, both of whom made significant contributions to the Tasmanian community. 

"Beaumaris" is best remembered for the zoo Mrs Roberts founded in the grounds of her palatial home in 1895, which was open to the public and evolved to hold an internationally recognised collection of indigenous fauna until her death 26 years later in 1921. Among an impressively long list of her other achievements, Mary Roberts successfully bred Tasmanian devils in captivity for the first time and was elected a member of the Zoological Society in London in 1910. 

Prior to the advent of "Beaumaris Zoo", in 1867 accountant Henry Roberts with partners Kemp and Abbott founded what was to become a power house of Tasmanian agriculture. Initially trading as "Kemp, Roberts & Co" before rebranding as Roberts & Co during 1888 with Henry as Managing Director, the business went on to expand under the subsequent guidance of son Gerald Roberts, amalgamating with other firms during the 1950s to create a statewide enterprise which survives to this day. 

Throughout these formative years, the Battery Point landmark of "Beaumaris" mansion was renowned for the beauty of its gardens, decorative barge boards, prominent dormers and a striking north facing veranda with Corinthian style columns and balustraded terrace above, as fine examples of design excellence including cast iron lace work and the Roberts family coat of arms, as just some of the eye catching detail on display. 

We are advised the exceptional quality exhibited by "Beaumaris House" Gothic Revival architecture is in the rhythm and repetition established by each of the facades and in the rich array of Gothic patterns, textures and materials. 

Whereas none of the former zoo buildings nor military installations remain, the staff cottage plus former stables and fernery buildings exhibit a strong relationship with the mansion by virtue of scale, form and materials. The property contains a blend of the past with modern sensitive renovations, allowing "Beaumaris" to remain a unique Hobart property.  

The Roberts family "Beaumaris" era ended after 59 years in May 1939 when the property was acquired by the Commonwealth of Australia for defence force purposes. After the Second World War the site was deployed as a training depot by the Army Reserve until transferred to the RAAF in 1982 for use as HQ Tasmanian Air Training Corps before a transition to the Royal Australian Signals Association, eventually offered for sale by public tender in 1998.  

Splendid homes of the style and character offered by "Beaumaris" are at their best when filled with the sounds of music and family life. Such has been the journey of the property under the ownership of the vendors, in particular with a passion for restoration of the gardens.  

Totalling a floor plan of approximately 750 sqm comprising 11 bedrooms, nine bathrooms and a cellar between Beaumaris House, Staff Quarters and the Stables Cottage, "Beaumaris" offers a range of both dignified and formal rooms reflecting the gracious lifestyles of a bygone era, yet merging easily with other relaxed living spaces and enjoyment of the garden settings. 

Neutral decors blend with the coloured light of leadlight windows over a grand central staircase featuring turned Tasmanian balustrade timbers, while elaborate cornice work and ceiling roses within the reception and entertaining areas of the main house are simply magnificent. Fireplaces exhibit a mix of slate, white marble or varnished timber materials whereas skirtings are high and opulent in character complementing ground level floors of either highly polished timbers with Persian rugs overlay, or marble tiled floors in high traffic areas. 

The title offers dual access from Newcastle Street, behind the property with adequate parking for visitors and a two car off street carport beside the Stables Cottage, as well as a Sandy Bay Road access, with remote control electric gates providing another secure entrance and six more cars off street parking.     

This iconic property endures as an important part of Tasmania's history and was once a favourite destination of the Hobart public visiting the famed "Beaumaris Zoo", until the death of Mary Roberts in 1921. A once in a lifetime opportunity to secure such an historic property of style and grandeur awaits buyers within Tasmania's most prestigious precinct of Battery Point. 

Vendors reserve the right to consider offers prior to auction.      

Inspections by appointment for registered buyers only please.

Please contact the following to arrange a viewing: 

Jim Playstead +61 437 222 600

Mathew Chugg +61 362 206 999