Ravenswood Hotel

Statement of Significance

As Ravenswood Hall, the place was one of the most substantial properties in the Murray District. Ravenswood Hotel has been operating as a hotel for more than a century. Ravenswood Hotel has high aesthetic value, and retains a great deal of ‘period charm’ despite additions and modifications over the years.

Physical Description

Nestled on the banks of the Murray River, the place is a large two-storey local red brick construction with iron roof. Most of the building, including additions, has been made with cream sand finish. Only the rear red brick wall can be seen in original state. The render helps the building to blend and gives old world charm.

History

After his previous property was damaged in the 1862 floods, Captain John Thomas constructed a large two-storey house at Ravenswood. This property was later to become Ravenswood Hotel. A watercolour of the residence (c.1870) shows a whitewashed and shingled building with formal gardens leading down to the Murray River. In 1876, Captain Thomas retired to Fremantle, leaving the residence in charge of his son, John Frederick Thomas. It has not been established exactly when the residence was first used for accommodation for traveller, but it appears likely that this was during the 1880s, and it was probably known as Ravenswood Hotel from this time. In November 1907, Alfred Edward Thomas, applied for a licence to convert the place into a wayside inn. He described the place as follows: The premises are of brick, and contain seven bedrooms, two sittings-rooms, exclusive of those required by my family. I am the current occupier and owner of the premises, which are now licensed under the name of Ravenswood Hotel, and which I intend to keep as an lnn or Public-house. Alfred died in July 1911, and after this Ravenswood Hotel was run by Amy Augusta Amelia Thomas. Around this time, the Hotel developed a reputation for being a honeymoon venue, and accounts note that this was many newly-married couple’s destination. In the 1920s, it also became known as a desirable holiday resort. In April 1936, Mrs Thomas transferred the place to Kenneth Howell Angel, a well-known air pilot. He immediately announced plans for a major refitting of the Hotel, with tennis courts, golf links, a sports ground, and a landing strip for aircraft. It is likely that the interior of many parts of the current Hotel, e.g. the private dining room, date from this time. Ravenswood Hotel has undergone a number of extensions and refits throughout the 20th century. The place was classified by the National Trust in October 1969. In 2003, a bottle shop and drive through was added to the north, along with an extension to the lounge bar.

Integrity/Authenticity

Good

Condition

Very good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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