The Rox, c. 1880
History
The Rox’s Elizabeth and Alexander heritage apartments are housed in what was once the school hall of Scotch College, seen to the rear in the photo above. Purpose built with convict bricks as a dedicated school for boys by Scottish Headmaster Alexander Ireland in 1880, it was constructed on the site of one of the earliest merchant homes in Hobart, built in 1823. The school house sits behind Roxburgh House, that served as as the main school building.
In 1919, the buildings were sold, and Scotch College later amalgamated with The Hutchins School, a leading Hobart boys school that operates today. The school house was rescued from its most recent use as a repair workshop, and a significant restoration and conversion was undertaken to repurpose the building into two luxury heritage apartments.
Within Roxburgh House are three further self-contained apartments for families, and both buildings are listed on the Heritage Register of Tasmania.
Accommodation
The Rox’s Elizabeth and Alexander heritage apartments both have two bedrooms, sleeping up to 4 guests, with older children above 10 years welcome. Fully self-contained, each is a luxurious urban retreat, with Hobart’s best cafes, restaurants and attractions right on your doorstep.
Both apartments have been painstakingly restored to highlight the history of the space - with soaring original ceilings and exposed wooden beams, arched windows, rustic walls of exposed bricks, gorgeous honey-coloured floorboards, and original brick fireplace. A timeless, neutral colour palette with natural textures showcasing Tasmanian furniture makers, designers and potters has been carried throughout, creating an inviting warmth, while taking equal precedence alongside the building’s heritage beauty.
The Elizabeth apartment features two king beds, and The Alexander apartment has a king and queen bed, all fitted with French linen bedding and pure wool blankets for a blissful night’s sleep. Modern, light-filled bathrooms are stocked with Tasmanian Milie Organics bath and body products, and each apartment also has its own laundry with washing machine, dryer, iron, ironing table and clothes rack, so you can extend your stay to fully explore Hobart and its surrounds.
Relax in the spacious, open plan living/dining area, elegantly furnished with sumptuous plush linen sofas, softly textured armchairs, warm timber furniture, beautiful ceramics, and large antique dining tables in each apartment. Choose from the curated collection of inspiring coffee table books about Tasmania, or simply pour yourself a glass of wine and unwind while catching up on your favourite Netflix show.
Both the Elizabeth and Alexander apartments also feature a gourmet kitchen with full size Häfele oven, encouraging guests to select fresh produce from Hobart’s Farm Gate Market - held each Sunday, just around the corner from The Rox - so you can cook delicious local fare each evening. Kitchens are stocked with pantry essentials including olive oil, milk, a range of teas, and coffee machine. Also included as part of your stay is a bottle of premium Tasmanian wine, along with a welcome basket of Tasmanian treats.
Of course while in Hobart, it’s essential to experience the city’s fabulous cafes, restaurants and bars - many of which are within walking distance. Sonny is a Hobart institution and a three minute walk, and a 10 minute stroll will see you at Ogee, one of Hobart’s newest bistros with a distinctly European feel. As a guest of The Rox, receive VIP priority access to Insitut Polaire - mention when booking your stay, and this will be arranged on your behalf. And book in advance for dinner at Omotenashi Hobart - located next door in The Rox’s new building, Omotenashi offers an intimate and exclusive dining experience with just 12 seats.
Far beyond just a bed for the night, The Rox’s heritage apartments allow you to truly immerse yourself in Hobart’s history, while enjoying your very own private urban oasis.
Special Features
Antique Furniture
Heritage Listed Building
Fully-Equipped Kitchen
Luxurious Bedding
Things To Do
There is so much to see and down while in Hobart. Museums and art galleries here are world class, including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and MONA, just a few minutes’ drive from the CBD. Step back in time with a visit to one of the National Trust’s properties, including Narryna and Runnymede; and just a few hundred metres from The Rox, the fascinating Hobart Convict Penitentiary.
Stroll Hobart’s waterfront and stop in at one of the restaurants housed in the row of iconic Georgian sandstone buildings, and Saturday mornings are best spent here at Salamanca Market. Afterwards, take your time wandering through Battery Point just up the hill. Reminiscent of an English village, admire charming storybook cottages, and enjoy coffee and cake at Jackman and McRoss.
Both Mount Wellington and Mount Nelson offer incredible views over the city and harbour. Take a cruise along the River Derwent, or a seaplane flight to fully experience the sheer beauty of your surrounds. And with Port Arthur, Bruny Island, Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, and the historic townships of Richmond, New Norfolk, Bothwell and Oatlands all easy day trips from Hobart, The Rox is an ideal base for your next Tasmanian adventure.
