Arriving in Tasmania in 2008 for a short domestic holiday, with no specific direction or plans in mind, Christer and Rhonda found themselves on day two in the historic township of Stanley. Both were instantly drawn to the quaint, unique and magical location and, always on the look-out for the next renovation, knew their lives were about to change when they spotted the “For Sale” sign. They soon-after returned to their home town of Melbourne as the owners of their next renovation project, a true “fixer-upper”.
Having accumulated extensive experience with renovating properties since 1985, Christer and Rhonda then spent the following 3 ½ years travelling back and forth from Melbourne to work on renovation number 8, yet to be named The Ark Stanley. In doing their own hands-on demolition and renovation, and supervising local builders and tradesmen, many of the property’s original features were retained; Myrtle floorboards in the hallway, lovely pressed-metal ceilings and Tasmanian Oak timber floors in the suites. There were many materials renewed however; over 3 kilometres of Tasmanian Oak weatherboards were nailed in place, all external and internal walls were insulated, the entire house was re-wired, re-plastered, re-roofed and finally re-plumbed for a new kitchen, laundry and 5 ensuites.
