Tasmanian History and Sustainability

The Woodbridge epitomises Tasmanian history and sustainability

 

Tasmanian history and sustainability – it takes effort!

 

The Woodbridge epitomises Tasmanian history and sustainability.

 

In 2003 we purchased the then derelict Woodbridge. We had no intention of buying property – we were on holidays. But as we looked at her all run down and forlorn, I said to John, “Do you think we can save her?”

 

Thus began our story in Tasmania.

 

We restored The Woodbridge and in doing so, we guaranteed her survival, we have made her sustainable.

 

 

Old buildings need champions

 

John and I are currently travelling in Europe again.

 

We have settled in Sanscerre in the Loire Valley where I am reading an article that took me by surprise. (Disclosure: ‘reading’ in French is a slight exaggeration). From what I can make out, there is a drive to crowdfund the restoration of a local chateau.

 

This made me reflect on what we done at The WoodbridgeHistory of Woodbridge.

 

Thinking of our impact.

 

The article said that these old buildings are treasures, and that ‘people’ must make sure they survive. It emphasised that making historic buildings sustainable takes huge commitments of both effort and money.

 

It made me so proud of what John and I had achieved with The Woodbridge. No crowd funding, no government grants, just us, our commitment, our effort and our hard-earned money. And thankfully a wonderful team of local tradespeople to work with.

 

Restored and reimagined as boutique accommodation, her future looks secure.

 

200 years and many more to come!

 

Woodbridge turned 200 this year. What a celebration milestone!

We won’t be here to celebrate the next 200 years, or indeed even her 300th anniversary.

 

But then again we will be there! We will be in her bones, the good bones that we recognised. The bones that we repaired and reinforced.

 

She is our stewardship but she is also our legacy.