Commanding attention as you come into the heart of Franklin, The Bowmont is a historical significant building with great diversity of possibilities. Positioned along the main street with uninterrupted views straight down to the Marina and the Huon River, makes this location within Franklin very desirable. The multi-roomed building is packed with old-world charm from extra high ceilings to the multiple open fireplaces and has been an icon with different purposes throughout its life for three eras now.
Originally built in 1906 by then renowned builders J. Dunn & Son, it was opened as the Commercial Bank of Tasmania and operated as a bank until 1921. The Art Nouveau design and construction was typical of the builder's work, which can be found throughout parts of Hobart. The old bank vault remains in situ within the middle of the building. The big steel doors and metal shelves are no longer there though. Upstairs was the main residence for the managers. The bank finally closed in 1942.
Come 1945, The Bowmont re-opened as the first general hospital. Initially operating as a private hospital for the first year, it then became public and the maternity section saw the delivery of over 3000 babies, now known as the Bowmont babies. It was this phase of it's life that the building was named "The Bowmont" by the local doctor O.T. Kyle and it was Dr Kyle who created the rear extension to house his surgery, a waiting room, and X-ray and instrument rooms. The hospital era was to last 20 years. The hospital era was significant as it touched a large number of the community. One prominent personality important to the building during this era was Matron Canning who lived upstairs between 1956 and 1965.
The next phase was to start in 1975 through to 1985 as The Bowmont Community Centre. Between the closure of the hospital in 1965 and its new role, the building was sponsored by the government to house large families displaced after the 1967 bushfires including a family with their 11 children. It was the community who rallied together to secure a grant to re-furbish the building, transforming it into a meeting place for community groups encouraging social development. This phase saw the building be re-wired, re-plumbed, re-roofed, plastered, freshly painted and so on. Many activities included kids playrooms, music lessons, craft and art exhibitions. The photography club operated from here and it was also a museum as well as a coffee lounge. By 1985, The Bowmont served as the Huon Community Youth Support Scheme, then in 1999 became the Huon skills and job training network 'STEPS'.
In 1998, the historical significance of the building was recognized and listed on the Heritage register and noted to be... 'of historical significance because of its ability to demonstrate the principle characteristics of a double storey Federation free-style building'. It is apt that the most recent phase for The Bowmont was to celebrate its centenary in 2006 by becoming an antique shop known as "Village Antiques". Highly successful, the shop has been an invaluable asset to the quaint township of Franklin, visited by many locals and tourists alike.
The building is now a residence with permits in place to operate as a retail business or as an accommodation. Up the grand blackwood staircase, it is still used today as the main residence offering 2 bedrooms, a lounge, a study, kitchen and bathroom. Up here there are gorgeous views out over the river and hills that surround. The ground level is vast in its offering of rooms and separate spaces making it ideal for many potential possibilities. What will the next phase be for The Bowmont? Franklin is a wonderful community spirited town that lines the banks of the amazing Huon River. There is a strong connection with history in the town and the love for wooden boats. Directly opposite are the Living Boat Trust and the Wooden Boat Centre. These are operated by a lively bunch with a fantastic lease on life and all things wooden boat. Please contact us for even more information and to arrange a private viewing that is sure to intrigue.
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