Old Market Inn, 1871
History
Completed in 1871, William and Emma Osmond were the first owners of Old Market Inn - then called Osmond’s Market Hotel. William and Emma were assistant immigrants from Bristol in Somerset, and arrived into Port Fairy in December, 1852 with their two small children - no doubt to start a new and better life in Australia.
By 1868, William Osmond was the owner of the Volunteer Arms, a butchery business, and also held a Beer and Colonial wine license for his eight-roomed home on William Street. The following year, he purchased the half-acre block next door for 96 pounds and set about building the Market Hotel. Constructed using local bluestone with a classical Georgian facade, the hotel had four sitting rooms and five bedrooms exclusively for patrons.
When William Osmond died in 1876, his eldest son Alfred became the hotel’s new licensee, and Osmond's Market Hotel stayed in the family until 1916 when it was sold. Since then, the building has been a private residence, bed & breakfast, and an art studio.
Recently restored to its former glory by owners & hosts Kym and Steve Piez with beautiful original period detail throughout, you’re invited to step back in time with a stay at this historic Port Fairy landmark.
Accommodation
With just three luxurious suites, Old Market Inn offers peaceful boutique accommodation for adults in the heart of Port Fairy. Each private, fully-self contained suite sleeps two guests.
The Mason Suite, named after John Mason who built Old Market Inn and other Port Fairy buildings, is situated on the ground floor. With a warm, natural coastal interior and bathed in natural light, the Mason Suite features 12 foot ceilings, ornate cornices and ceiling rose, sash windows, baltic floors and fireplace. Relax in the comfortable living and dining area, and cook your favourite meals in the galley kitchen with modern appliances and Nespresso coffee machine. The spacious bathroom features a deep freestanding bath and rain shower.
The Osmond Suite is named of course after Old Market Inn’s first owner and innkeeper, William Osmond. A luxurious, three-roomed suite on the first floor, the Osmond Suite features a romantic freestanding bath in the bedroom, beautiful bathroom with double shower, large fully-equipped kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, and a cosy living space with day bed…spend your afternoon curled up here with tea and a good book from the library. The Osmond Suite retains all its historic charm, including original 11-foot ceilings, double-hung sash windows, baltic floors, and fireplace.
Named after the majestic Norfolk pines that line William Street, the Norfolk Suite is located on the first floor, featuring a king-sized bed which can be converted into two king single beds if required, and designer living area with a distinctly coastal feel. The stunning monochromatic bathroom features a large rain shower, and the fully-equipped kitchen is perfect for creating your favourite dishes each evening. Rich in period detail, the Norfolk Suite has 11-foot ceilings, double-hung sash windows, and warm polished floors.
All suites feature large flat screen TVs with both Netflix and Stan, complimentary Wi-Fi, and Sonos sound systems. Or if you prefer to disconnect from technology, choose from your own dedicated library of books, select a board game, or play a game of cards. Each guest also receives a small welcome gift on arrival of delicious locally-made biscuits.
Exclusive Offer
Book your minimum 2 night stay below via Old Market Inn’s website, and enter code HISTORICSTAYS to receive 5% off your total stay, as well as a complimentary breakfast hamper!
Special Features
Luxurious Baths
Historic Township
WiFi
Fully Equipped Kitchens
Things To Do
Everything Port Fairy has to offer is within easy walking distance of the Old Market Inn. Take long walks along East Beach or South Beach and breathe in fresh sea air before stopping in at one of Port Fairy’s excellent cafes for coffee and brunch. Spending time simply strolling the town’s beautifully-preserved heritage streetscapes is a must, along with browsing the boutique shops along the main street.
Enjoy lunch down near the wharf, a postcard-perfect seaside village setting, and if you’re feeling active, bike or walk along the Rail Trail. If you don’t feel like cooking dinner, there are many restaurants in town with everything from gourmet wood fire pizzas, classic pub fare, and fine dining experiences. Head to Conlan’s Wine Store for a premium selection of local wines paired with a menu focused on fresh, seasonal produce.
