Ormiston House

It takes five hours to drive the winding roads from Hobart to Strahan on Tasmania’s west coast. Arriving at Ormiston House is more like travelling 120 years back in time. Run by the charming Terry and Rose, the federation style building is set in its own lovely gardens (which used to be a lot larger). Everything in it appears to have been there since Queen Victoria sat on the throne. In fact much of the period furnishings were introduced back in the 1990’s by a previous owner in one of several major renovations. If you are after sleek modern rooms then you shouldn’t come here. Each room has its own individual name (after the first owner, a Scottish born wheeler dealer who built the house and members of his family). You sleep in a four poster bed surrounded by Victorian furniture. The shower is ok and the toilet and sink appear to date back to the 1920’s. WiFi is nonexistent one day and the best reception we received on the island the next. Terry is happy to tell you the whole history of the house and its cast of interesting and rather colourful former owners. He will also show you his collection of pictures, newspaper cuttings and documents relating to former owners. Breakfast is to order with Rose on arrival. The town centre and harbour are an easy 15 minute stroll away (also for picking up the Gordon River cruise boats). A truly charming and unique experience.

A charming BNB in Strahan that had a wonderful character

Beautiful period guesthouse. We stayed for two nights in the F O Henry room. It’s like stepping back in time. The hosts were very welcoming and communication pre arrival was excellent. Breakfast was very good. Ample car parking. The property is beautifully decorated for the period it represents. Good WiFi. Tea/coffee/biscuits provided for the room. The property is just a 10 minute walk to the cruise terminal and restaurants. Would recommend Ormiston House

I absolutely loved staying in this beautiful period home. The hosts were a lovely warm couple who treated us royally with a meet and greet glass of wine as we heard of the families who had lived in the home over many decades, and a delicious breakfast before we left. The business is for sale and it won’t surprise me to hear it goes fast. A very special property in a prime location in a very popular town - Strahan, Tasmania, Australia

We spent two nights at Ormiston House and were very well looked after by hosts Rose and Terry. The magnificent 19th century House/manor has been restored beautifully, but with all modern conveniences. The rooms and ensuites are large, and the beds are very comfortable. Rose and Terry provide an excellent continental breakfast to your specific tastes. We would strongly recommend a stay here for a number of reasons - proximity to town (walking distance), serene ambiance from beautiful house and comfortable rooms, wonderful hosts who go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, reasonable tariff and excellent continental breakfast. TIP - be sure to make yourself available for an afternoon chat with Terry about the history of the house and original owners - it was fascinating and wish we could have stayed longer for the chat but had to leave for the show in town.

Our hosts, Rose and Terry, were welcoming and provided us with a memorable stay, giving us a glimpse into the history of the town and the original house owner and his family. Well worth the stay. The rooms are furnished with period pieces, they are large rooms with high ceilings. The breakfast choices were varied.

In 50 years of travel this must rate as one of the worst establishments I have ever visited. On arrival at Ormiston House , we noticed it was for sale . Never a good sign, it set the scene for a very unwelcoming visit . The impression being that the owners never really wanted you there , I don’t know their names as they never introduced themselves. Our room was dark and had a musty smell , a small creaky bed and an en suite badly in need of an upgrade. The room was grubby , not inviting .Breakfast was a tedious continental type affair , with several couples picking about on a piece of toast with a weak cup of coffee in total silence , all with the same intention of getting out as soon as possible. Discover The World booked this on my behalf . We couldn’t wait to leave

A wonderful boutique heritage hotel with original features and antiques throughout. Rooms are well appointed with ensuite but retain the original character. Owners are lovely and provide a varied and delicious breakfast. There is also a cosy little bar. Easy walk into town.

Don't be fooled by the appearance of the exterior of this grand old house, inside is dark, dusty and in desperate need of some maintenance and restoration. We booked and paid for a two night stay, the breakfast interrogation was unusual in the respect that in most B&B establishments there is generally a selection laid out to choose from, not so here. The Amelia room is where we were initially assigned, on entry the lock was in need of repair and tricky to gain entry. The bathroom lock did not engage at all, the door had to be secured by a toiletry bag. The room was tired, dusty and shabby. The jug in the room did not fit under the tap and had to be filled over the bath and the biscuits were stale. All of which we could put up with until we turned the bedding down and discovered body hair and other matter, the give away was that the pillow cases were crushed and crumpled, unlike clean bedding which is smooth and crisp. We alerted Thomas, out host, who came within about ten minutes and his indifference and lack of empathy was palatable. However he moved us to the Christina room which also was tired, shabby and had a shower over a spa bath set up in the bedroom, hardly suitable for a pair of mature guests. Breakfast was not enjoyable, Thomas was uncomfortable, obviously expecting confrontation but instead we moved on after just one night. Poor Thomas seems lost in his position as host and is remarkably similar to Basil Fawlty.