Hobart’s Architectural Triumph

The Rox Hobart is reshaping the city’s accommodation landscape with a remarkable blend of heritage restoration and contemporary design. Located in the vibrant MidTown district, this boutique property — masterfully brought to life by owner Mary Brownell and a visionary team of heritage, architecture and building experts — houses four meticulously crafted apartments, blending old-world charm and modern sophistication.

The site has a rich history, dating back to 1822, when a merchant's house first stood there, later becoming Scotch College under Scottish headmaster Alexander Ireland. Over the years, the space evolved, becoming a vital part of Hobart's educational history, before falling into neglect and disrepair, being dubbed the “Rat’s Castle”.

The revival project, led by architect Emily Taylor of Core Collective Architects, stands as a testament to collaborative effort. The restoration journey was guided by a Historic Heritage Management Plan (HHMP) prepared by heritage consultant Brad Williams, whose expertise in preserving the integrity of historical sites played a crucial role in the project's success. Of particular interest was the original Scotch College building, which was previously considered beyond repair.

“We were curious about Scotch College — it was a heritage gem that had been built over and long forgotten - it needed to be liberated somehow,” says Taylor. “This was admittedly ambitious given the build fabric had been damaged and neglected, but with close collaboration with our client, the heritage consultant, engineers and builder, we achieved what many may have thought impossible or unfeasible.”.

The once-deteriorated façade of Scotch College has been painstakingly rebuilt, utilising original convict bricks and sandstone found on-site. The front entry, adorned with a new canopy, reinterprets the original porch, while aluminium windows which had been insensitively installed in the 1980s have now been replaced by timber-framed windows, reinstated in their historic locations. The two new two-bedroom apartments within the former schoolhouse feature preserved timber floors and ceilings, evoking the heritage spirit of the site.

Adjacent to this lovingly restored gem is a new three-storey contemporary apartment building housing 13 new apartments, designed to complement the original Roxburgh House’s Victorian Italianate architecture. “I drew on nearby buildings to inform the architectural expression of The Rox, referencing Art Deco curves and using brick as a primary material to echo the area's architectural history,” explains Taylor.

Inside, architect Tess Newman-Morris has carefully curated interiors that celebrate Tasmanian artisanship, featuring bespoke items from Duncan Meerding and Moonpenny Pottery.

“The Rox is more than just accommodation,” says The Rox owner, Mary Brownell. “It’s a celebration of Tasmania’s history, architecture, and creativity.”

Perfectly positioned for exploring Hobart’s eclectic neighbourhoods, The Rox offers guests a truly unique stay, whether in the historic charm of the Elizabeth or Alexander Apartments or the sleek modern luxury of The Rox Penthouse. As Emily Taylor comments, “I feel this building achieves what we set out do: it makes a positive contribution to Hobart’s urban realm while giving new life and a respectful context to its heritage context.”

With its exceptional architecture, unique story, and luxurious offerings, The Rox Hobart not only elevates the city’s accommodation scene but also stands as a symbol of how thoughtful restoration and modern design can preserve and celebrate Hobart’s rich cultural history.