THE RESTORATION

The Georgian style hotel was built in 1859. It is made up of 5 buildings occupying a corner block on the main street of Braidwood. The main hotel building was originally 3 storeys. At street level were the main bar, dining room and kitchen. The second level was originally a grand ballroom opening onto a cantilever balcony. That was later partitioned into many small accommodation rooms. The original accommodation rooms were attic style rooms on the 3rd floor. In keeping with the fashion of the time, the verandah was altered to include a roof in 1892 and wrought iron in 1925.

Since the Mitchell family bought the hotel in 1984, they have:
- Restored the exterior to its original form, including bloodwood shingled roof.
- Performed major works on the original accommodation rooms in the attic, to include modern conveniences.
- Opened up the middle level to recreate the original ballroom
- Rebuilt the bar in Queensland red cedar joinery
- Maintained the open fireplaces for ongoing use
- Installed modern toilets
- Refitted the kitchen, maintaining the original cooking area and installed a wood-fired pizza oven
- Constructed an under ground cellar that involved underpinning the structure of the hotel.

The owners are currently awaiting news on an application for its first ever Heritage Funding Grant to proceed with work reinstating the shop front and restoring the Grand interior staircase.