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

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.