Battery Point: Living in historic Hobart

Set on the fringe of Hobart’s centre, Battery Point is the city’s oldest and prettiest suburb, revealing row upon row of timber houses and sandstone cottages, most of which are wonderfully restored by their house-proud owners.

With a palpable sense of yesteryear, the suburb’s historic architecture is enchantingly on display, causing an increase in foot traffic along its fanciful streets, met with a rise of trendy cafes and boutique retailers.

Historic hot properties

In addition to working in the area as the director of Peterswald For Property, Harry Coomer was previously a resident of Battery Point. He speaks with firsthand experience when describing the suburb as being filled with excitement and wonder.

“The location is ideal for those who wish to remain close to Hobart’s services and attractions, including the social scene of Salamanca,” says Coomer. “It’s got that walk-to-everywhere appeal, which is always a nice luxury; many of our staff often step out during lunch to take a stroll through the peaceful Princes Park.”

Coomer says the Tasmanian market, in general, has been very buoyant for the past 12 to 18 months, with multiple offers presented for almost every property. He says this has been compounded due to Battery Point being a relatively small suburb with a population much smaller than its neighbour, Sandy Bay.

“With tightly-held properties and few new developments, Battery Point has cemented its position as one of Hobart’s most expensive and sought-after residential suburbs,” adds Coomer. “So, for those considering an investment in the area, the historical data and its location should offer comforting facts when making this decision.”

Beyond the picket fence

Formerly from Kingston Beach, a coastal suburb south of Hobart, Gayle Johnston and her husband David decided to downsize after their three children had finished school. With an affinity for old homes and longing to be near the city, the couple purchased a home in Battery Point in 2013.

“It was a beautiful old house, circa 1906, with many original features lurking under layer upon layer of wallpaper, including on the ceilings and under carpet and lino,” Johnston recalls. “We really enjoyed the renovation challenge, which we did over the next 18 months while getting to know the area.”

Since then, the couple has relished both the charms and conveniences of Battery Point. Regular pastimes now include morning walks along the Marieville Esplanade with their springer spaniel Bear, a drink and a pub meal at Tom McHugo’s, a chic wine at Lucinda Wine Bar, and strolls to the Salamanca Market for fresh flowers and vinyl.

“There is a distinct allure to Battery Point. It’s not unusual to open our front door and find people leaning over the fence, taking photos, and even the tiniest cottages around here have the most glorious gardens,” hints Johnston. “We have friends down the road who live in a gorgeously renovated weatherboard cottage with a pocket front garden – you simply wouldn’t know that they have an amazing backyard with a 100-year-old mulberry tree, which happens to supply mulberries to all the neighbours.”

One to watch

Celebrating a storied place in Hobart’s history, Stowell was erected in 1833, originally depicting a colonial Regency style, later converted into an Italianate mansion in the early 1900s. Nestled in the tightly held Stowell Gardens precinct, the grand residence remains elegantly preserved today, capturing landmark views across the River Derwent to the Tasman Bridge.

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15/6 Stowell Avenue, Battery Point TAS 7004

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