The importance of Hotel Ernest

There's quite literally a rich history inside Bendigo's reclaimed and repurposed stay.

Branded as “a requisite destination for the discerning traveller, for the seeker of style, for the avid historian, for the cultural connoisseur,” Hotel Ernest is a case study in resurrecting and reorienting historic buildings with purpose-driven design.

The blueprint for sister accommodation in Ballarat, Hotel Vera, founders, lead designers and historic building-breathers, David Cook-Doulton and Martin Shew earmarked Bendigo’s oldest bank as their debut architecturally-grand accommodation project.

Hotel Ernest

Where: 10-12 View Street, 3550, Bendigo

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Banking on brilliance

 

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Nestled in the CBD of Bendigo, Hotel Ernest is built from the back pocket. Housed inside the regions oldest bank, the former Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, the historic Hotel Ernest building was constructed in 1864 and retains nods back to its original operations. Physical features include an underground cellar and bank vault whilst the living legend of the happenings within the walls tell tales of wealth and woe – a bullet hole on the ground floor of the hotel, said to hail from the gold rush days, speaks to the latter.

Capturing the character of the landmark building whilst transforming it into a contemporary boutique stay, Cook-Doulton and Shew worked their magic with the redevelopment and redesign of the space. The eclectic and historically-significant markers of the past are enhanced as part of the staying experience, whilst the elevated boutique suites envelope guests with cultural and artistic invigoration.

An attention to Australian art

 

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With one of regional Australia’s most renowned art galleries just a skip down from the stay, Hotel Ernest leans into the artistic delivery of their surrounds. As with Hotel Vera, Hotel Ernest’s suites are decorated with the most absorbing and awe-inspiring art pieces. There are ten suites in total under the Hotel Ernest offering, each tapping into a tailored design approach to deliver a sense of discovery, exploration, romance, and, of course, serenity.

The brief was simply to create a luxurious, modern retreat for business and holiday travellers, reflecting Bendigo’s rich heritage. The combination of sleek furnishings, high ceilings, generous natural light and a focal artwork provide the perfect level of comfort.

Rooms are titled after the artist behind each rooms work. Suite one is named after Robin Wallace-Crabbe with the décor drawing from the terracotta and olive greens within her work Nude With Black. Located on the ground floor, these suite opens into the courtyard, further leaning into the natural landscape. Next you have The Writers Room – a sanctuary of sorted that is elevated by the work of Helene Grove. With its private staircase, The Writer’s Room comes with its own desk, this space is ideal for the seeker of solitude. Grove once said that “Life is but a series of moments” and her piece The match offers a dynamic perspective in a snapshot of time.

Suite 3, The Arts Project honours the talented artists from Arts Project Australia’s Northcote Studio. The works are all created by artists with an intellectual disability but intense artistic fervour. The suite also features a stunning work by Deborah Williams from her celebrated existential observations of dogs series. Continuing through the suites you have works from Heather B Swann, James Meldrum, Michael Georgetti, Pilven Triptych, Richard Birmingham, and Patrick Henigan.

One of the standout suites has a title to match. The hotel’s Grand Parkview Suite is brought to life with the exuberant art of Michael Georgetti and David Larwill, as well as the fine etched works of Robyn Rayner. Featuring a separate dining room and kitchenette, the suite has been refurbished with comfort in mind, and is accentuated by its sweeping views across Rosalind Park and the Victorian streetscape of Pall Mall.

The heightened art additions allow the rooms to breathe new life, one where creative is craved and teased out.

Terrae: a sincere take on hospitality

 

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Keeping in line with Oscar Wilde’s literary classic The Importance of Being Earnest, Hotel Ernest shares a direct sentiment taken from the pages.

“I hate people who are not serious about meals. It is so shallow of them.” 

Good thing the resident restaurant Terrae‘s existence is uplifted by head chefs, wait staff and customers who are deathly serious about their dishes.

Terrae is an essential premier dining experience within the UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Meaning “earth, land & ground” Terrae (pronounced “Ter-ray”) takes from the rich local produces of the region to curate a sophisticated, seasonal menu. Their dishes derive from a fresh ingredients list cultivated on-site in Terrae’s own farm’s kitchen gardens and orchard. While rooted in modern European cuisine, the Terrae dishes reflect a deep respect for time-honoured cooking methods, infused with contemporary creativity. From daily house-made pasta to thoughtfully crafted classics with a signature twist, every plate embodies skill, passion, and the best of the region’s bounty.

Hotel Ernest honours its history whilst exuding excellence. Find out more about the accommodation offering, or book your suite stay here.