Robertson Hotel 100th
Dec/Jan 2025
LINDA EMERY
Dancing to the strains of a jazz trio in the ballroom, guests at the opening festivities of the Hotel Robertson in November 1924 were treated to a lavish introduction to what was claimed to be ‘the premier country hotel in the Commonwealth’.
Officially opened by the Governor of NSW, Sir Dudley de Chair, the hotel was an ambitious development that promised a new era in tourism for the town. Designed by Sydney father-and-son architects Spencer and Spencer and built by the foremost local builder of the day, Alf Stephens of Bowral, the 100-room hotel was the epitome of modernity, with hot and cold water, telephones and radiators in every room, features considered luxurious at the time. Golf links, bowling greens and tennis courts completed the picture of the ultimate country club.
Despite the glowing predictions of success, four months after it opened, the Hotel Robertson was forced into liquidation, unable to meet its debts. Auctioneer and investor George Abbott, who had promoted the project, was financially ruined. The development had cost £90,000 ($180,000) but the hotel was sold by the liquidators for just £30,000 ($60,000).
The new owners swiftly rebranded the property as the Hotel Ranelagh, to be the headquarters of the Ranelagh Country Club, named after the famous English polo club. In December 1925, another highly publicised opening drew visitors from far and wide. But high hopes did not translate into great business and in 1931 the struggling hotel was sold once more. Unlike Bowral and Moss Vale, there was no rail access to Robertson at that time, which contributed to the difficulty in attracting visitors, not to mention the impact of the Great Depression.
During World War II, the Air Force leased the property as a training depot for recruits to the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAFs) but by 1942 luxury was a memory. The young women slept on wire stretchers in cold dormitories, six or eight to a room, and learned the rudiments of drill on a parade ground that once echoed to the sounds of happy holidaymakers.
It closed in early 1943, the Air Force considering the building unfit for occupation. Ranelagh stood empty until 1946, when it was purchased by the Franciscan Fathers, who named it St Anthony’s College. Students preparing for the priesthood studied here in an environment of peace and beauty. The ballroom was converted into a chapel and between 1947 and 1949, artist-in-residence Arthur Benfield designed and painted the stained glass windows. Among his many surviving works are the Chaucer windows in Sydney’s Mitchell Library and the windows in the library’s Shakespeare Room.
The Hotel Robertson has now come full circle. After returning to use as a guest house in 1972, and after several name changes, this icon of the Southern Highlands was reborn as a stylish country retreat, The Robertson Hotel, in 2014.
Embracing its history, owners Lisa Grant Kotis and Con Kotis have brought a fresh, modern twist to the property, welcoming guests for quiet weekends, special events or beautiful weddings in the house, or in the delightful 14 acre gardens. The hotel recently played host to the reality television series The Traitors, when contestants stayed while playing a murder mystery game. And in November, the ballroom was again filled with music and dancing when a ball was held to celebrate the centenary of this wonderful building.
Back Issue December / January 2025 (PDF Download)
Relive the beauty of the Southern Highlands with this digital back issue of Highlife.
Relaxed luxury
An inspired renovation has turned a pleasant Burradoo home into a luxurious retreat where every detail has been considered, inside and out.
Sixties revival
A 1960s Mittagong home found its ideal owners when Katherine and Justin Narayan snapped it up and set to work on a stylish renovation. Fans include The Mid Century Project’s Tim Ross.
Hills and sails
Few people connect the Highlands with sailing, but a keen group of sailors meets every Sunday between October to April for the thrill of getting out on the water.
Sense and sensibility
Smart planning and considered plantings, including advanced trees, have resulted in a beautiful easy-care garden that enjoys stunning views of Robertson’s countryside.
Christmas is booked
If you’re after Christmas gift ideas – or a few new books to kick back with over the summer holidays – these reviews and recommendation lists will provide plenty of inspiration.
A handmade tale
Among Bowral’s sleek boutiques is an unassuming craft shop that has been part of the community for more than half a century. Inside is a treasure trove of handmade items.
The nature of healing
Burradoo’s Kathryn Smith writes about her daughter and son-in-law, Sabrina and Nepo Sibomana, who have built a school, a farm and a garden in Rwanda.
Then and now
The Robertson Hotel celebrated 100 years in November. We look back at the building’s colourful history, which includes chapters as an Air Force training depot and a Franciscan college.
Escape to Elba
Seeking a relaxed end to their European adventure, Kirstine McKay and her family visited the Italian island of Elba and found their dream destination.
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