The Barracks, Tocal (Paterson, NSW)
Location: Paterson, NSW
Getting there: 2.5 hours from Sydney, 1 hour from Newcastle
Sleeps: 2-10
Bedrooms: 4
The Property:
Situated on one of Australia's oldest working farms, The Barracks provides boutique accommodation on a unique heritage site. Four two-storey suites, originally built 150 years ago to house convicts, have been beautifully restored to elegant comfort. Each air-conditioned suite allows guests to enjoy views of sweeping hillsides and colonial buildings. At the push of a button, a restored fireplace warms the sitting room on cool evenings. A complimentary gourmet breakfast hamper consists of a variety of wholesome local foods and is delivered to the suite. Located just minutes from the historic township of Paterson, The Barracks is the perfect location for those wishing to relax in a tranquil setting.
About your local community:
The historic township of Paterson is located just minutes from The Barracks. Paterson is a picturesque riverside town with fascinating heritage, grand colonial buildings and vintage trains. Soak up the ambience as you relax with a glass of Boydell's wine at the local Paterson Tavern or explore historic walks around the township and you can even pop into The Paterson Court House Museum for a visit.
If looking further afield a 30min country drive to Dungog near the spectacular Barrington Tops National Park is a day trip to remember. Explore the town walk, gain insights into local timber and dairy origins and film enthusiasts will love the Spanish-style James Theatre, Australia's oldest operating cinema.
What is your favourite thing to do at this property:
The Barracks, Tocal is located on the historical precinct of Tocal Homestead. So apart from enjoying a cuppa on the verandah whilst watching the farm animals graze nearby, exploring Tocal Homestead is a must. Tocal Homestead sits on the traditional land of the Wonnarua people and is set among glorious fig trees with the estate farm buildings dating back to 1830. With fascinating stories at every turn; tales of bushrangers, businessmen and the families that worked the land are all learnt through a self-guided audio tour. Tocal is a significant Hunter Valley property that showcases the highs and lows of life. "Just as good as going back in time!"
What is your favourite trip close by:
Morpeth, a 20min drive from us is the boutique shopping and dining precinct on the Hunter River. A visit here is a journey through narrow laneways, sandstone gutters and footpaths into heritage buildings where you’ll discover unique shopping, artisan treasures and delightful treats. Its fascinating history, beautiful position on the Hunter River and a diverse range of boutiques, cafés, galleries and scenery make Morpeth a must visit destination.
Guests should not forget to pack their….
Walking shoes to explore our unique colonial heritage site.
How did you come to offer accommodation in the bush?
The Barracks is managed by members of the board for the CB Alexander Foundation. It’s difficult to know exactly when The Barracks were built but records indicate that they were probably built after James Webber’s departure, very likely following the 1835 fire that destroyed most of the original worker’s accommodation. While these barracks were built to house convicts, ex-convicts and free workers, the first four convicts that arrived to Tocal with James Webber in 1822 (Waggoner, Hazell, Smith and Hover, our rooms are referred to as this) would not have stayed in here. The Barracks were originally a part of a three building complex: another building behind this was both a residence and a store and towards the bull barn was a timber and iron kitchen. Kitchens were built away from houses as they regularly caught alight – a hazard of cooking on open fires.
Inside The Barracks was the downstairs living area while upstairs were the sleeping quarters. Three of the four units had access to the sleeping quarters via stairs while one of the units had a mere ladder. There were no bathroom facilities within the units. Some time around the early 20th century, the roof blew off The Barracks and the building was left abandoned for the next 80 years. In late 2013 and early 2014, conservation and restoration started to convert The Barracks to accommodation units, thanks to Dr Cameron Archer’s (Principal of Tocal College at the time) drive and vision and the generosity of donors including Mr David Allan’s large donation. These funds were invaluable in being able to access Eric Martin, AM who has extensive insight and experience in restoring heritage buildings and Rod Morris, who has worked as a builder on the site for 30 years. Work had to cease on the buildings once the donations were used and further funding was unavailable. In mid 2016, thanks to the generosity of a bequest to the Foundation, work was able to recommence once again with the board agreeing to provide a loan for the works and fit out. Our journey is ‘Battered to Boutique’ and we welcomed our first guest in 2017.
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