A Night at the Fothergills of Fremantle is Like a Night in an Art Gallery

When planning a stay over in Fremantle, Western Australia, I made it a point to do it right by picking a night in one of the architectural delights that have been converted into a bed and breakfast. For this occasion, I chose the Fothergills of Fremantle, a group of three 19th century mansion style houses on Monument Hill that are now the home to a 4 star accommodation option for the traveler seeking a luxurious stay.

What first caught my attention when coming upon the Fothergills – besides the Victorian style decor and exterior typical of the Fremantle area – was the garden, the art, the painted cows and eccentric yard of a lavish escape.

The feeling continued as I walked inside the door where the walls displayed an art gallery of works hand-picked by the owner himself. Even the pieces of furniture, all giant, beautiful cuts of wood, are local finds chosen to give the place its charm. I felt, almost immediately, as if I was given the opportunity to spend a night in a museum, but one with comfort and warmth and history that encapsulated all aspects of design from the etched glass windows to patterned marble floors of the bathroom.

 

Each room in the Fothergills of Fremantle has a different theme and name, so when you come for a visit, you have the chance to choose your atmosphere.

On the table are the Samson, the Australian, the Javanese or the Endeavour to name just a few, but I went with the English Suite, a room with a four-poster bed and easy access to a balcony for the sensational Indian Ocean sunset views.

It wasn’t until after conversing with the onsite caretaker that I learned the English Suite is the most popular room of the location, but I can absolutely see why. No, it’s not just the giant bed with pillowed comfort-top mattress and sink-your-head-in feather pillows that draw you in. Or, the giant dark-wooded furniture pieces, the skeleton style keys and spectacular private bathroom.

 

It’s the combination of it all, from entry into the building to sleep that make this place so special.

I must say that I spent a good part of my evening out on the balcony as the purple and orange show of the sunset played out. This is a feature of staying at the Fothergills that cannot be missed and would be made that much more enjoyable with a good bottle of wine and/or cheese platter to taste.

Another great feature that makes the Fothergills stand out among the rest is simply the most important meal of the day – breakfast. It was a pleasure to see that this bed and breakfast still believes in the comfort of a home-cooked meal, so you can head to the breakfast room in the morning, or out to the backyard courtyard, with a fill of eggs, bacon and fresh fruit and yogurt. The coffee is served up from individual coffee presses, but tea is also an option.

 

Fothergills is more than just a great accommodation; it’s a beautiful work of art and a slice of culture. About 8 concerts run each year in the courtyard to a crowd of 50 lucky listeners, along with cooking classes and art exhibitions.

This luxurious bed and breakfast is perfect for locals and tourists looking to be whisked away for an evening or a week. You can book your stay at the Fothergills on their official website.