If These Walls Could Talk – The Oxford On Otho, Inverell NSW
Sculpted from the bones of The Oxford Hotel, the revived Oxford on Otho has never stood taller thanks to new owners Gary and Wendy Cracknell and Brett and Emilie Tomlinson. Here, the hotel shares her story.
(Psst… read to the end for a discount code for FOUND Regional readers!)
“It was 11 July, 1885. The Thorley Brothers won the tender for 10,000 pounds and, in the space of just two short months, my walls stood tall – the first two-storey brick hotel in Inverell. As legend has it, a local labourer called Lochie McKenchnie laid 1500 bricks in one day for a wager of just 20 pounds.
“Thanks to him, and dozens more like him, my doors swung open for the first time on 25 September 1886. Back then, the owner William Onus leased me to his brother Joseph – all 40 rooms, 20 of which were fitted with the latest convenience; electric bells. A passageway once threaded below the balcony too, leading to a yard of 20 stall stables for patrons.
“By 1888, the town’s second public hall was built to the rear of my land, the aptly named Oxford Hall sitting pretty alongside the Oxford Auction Salesyard. Complete with a large stage and seating for 400-500 people, it was a place for entertainment, meetings and boxing bouts. I can still hear the voices, feel the music, smell the smoke. Cigarette box lids carried my name alongside the words ‘The Oxford Cigarette’ – while each cigarette was also emblazoned with gold letters spelling ‘The Oxford’. It was 1904 and I’d hit the big time.
“But that all came to an end when the hall was dismantled in 1911… except for the boxing, which carried on in the vacant land they left behind.
“In prouder times, my balcony held people high in moments of note – welcoming soldiers home from the Boer War, farewelling soldiers for World War II, and became a stage for political speeches and announcing election results. They were happy days, tarnished with sadness.
“Unfortunately, certain folks will seek mischief when the opportunity arises. Thieves seized their chance – along with my guests’ belongings – during such events, our heads conveniently turned. Fast forward to 1942 and a light-fingered chap named John Henry Hall even stole 10 chickens and a turkey for Christmas dinner! Just six of the chickens and the turkey made their way home to the Oxford that festive season.
“Before all that nonsense, my balcony was removed in 1939 and my namesake came down with it. I went on to become known as the Sportsmen’s Hotel, and then the Traveller’s Rest, neither of which ever quite seemed to fit. Still, progress came and sewerage was connected in 1953, my awning erected in 1958 and a great many renovation attempts made throughout the decades.
“While those publicans may be long gone, their patronage lives on, etching an everlasting mark on my walls. But it wasn’t until 2017, when I came up for sale once more, that I was given a very real, a very longed for, new lease on life.
“I met Gary and Wendy in 2017, who were joined by Brett and Emilie in 2018. Their vision, passion for historical buildings and skillset has seen these walls restored to their previous glory. My central staircase has never beamed brighter, proudly leading to my 10 exquisitely refurbished rooms – each complete with ensuite and divine historical moments captured behind glass panels. The lighting, the flooring, the soft furnishings and cozy nooks all sympathetically designed and chosen to celebrate who I once was, as well as who I’m about to be.
“The carriageway arch that once guided horse and carriages to the rear stables has also been reopened, while my timber ground floor now rests stronger than ever as polished concrete. At my heart – the core of the building – the second storey floor was removed to create an internal courtyard and upstairs mezzanine, complete with six roof windows. Today, I am continually bathed in light.
“My verandah, one of my proudest moments throughout the decades, has been restored too – the final piece needed to watch the new world go by. If you’d like to come see it for yourself, raise a toast with The Welder’s Dog bar and sleep soundly within my walls, I’m right where I’ve always been. You can call me Oxford on Otho now… and I can’t wait to meet you.”
Searching for boutique accommodation in the heart of Inverell? Oxford on Otho’s your girl.
Choose from eight beautifully-restored rooms complete with options for couples and families, solo travellers and fully-accessible spaces.
And guess what? The good folks at the Oxford on Otho are offering an exclusive discount for FOUND Regional readers… simply use the code FOUNDSTAY when booking two nights and you’ll get the third free!
oxfordonotho.com.au
@oxfordonotho
Photography Hannah Kate Photography
