Our History
A history that continues to unfold
Poets Cottage has carried many names over the years, each reflecting a different chapter in its life. Once known as Ivydene for its ivy-covered walls, and later the Blue House for its deep indigo exterior, it eventually became Poets Cottage, named after a former owner, Lyn Eldridge, a well-known local poet.
Like many historic homes, its story is layered, shaped by both recorded history and local legend.
Stories woven into the walls
There is a long-held belief that the cottage was designed by John Lee Archer, the architect associated with Melbourne’s parliamentary buildings.
While this remains part of local lore, detailed research by archivist Betty Jones, with support from Stanley Museum curator Sue Smedley, offers a broader and more grounded understanding of the home’s past.
Another story tells of the house being built for the illegitimate son of King George IV, who is said to have found it too modest and moved on. Whether fact or folklore, these stories have become part of the character of the cottage.
A place of learning and daily life
By the mid-1800s, the cottage had become part of everyday life in Stanley, when the Smith family established the town’s first private school within its walls.
It’s a reminder that this home has always been more than a residence, it has been a place of gathering, learning, and community.
Even today, traces of that past remain, including the original heritage-listed outbuilding in the upper garden, a small but tangible connection to another time.
Carefully restored and shared
In 2000, the cottage entered a new chapter when our family purchased the property. After remaining unoccupied for 20 years, we (Geraldine and Dave) arrived in 2021 and began thoughtfully restoring it, taking care to preserve its original features while bringing it up to modern comfort.
We have continued that work ever since, so that guests can experience its history without sacrificing ease or comfort.
A stay that becomes part of your journey
Our hope is simple, that your time here becomes part of what you remember most about Tasmania.