Careys Bay (Otago) Traditional Cache
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Located just accross the rd from the Historic Careys Bay Hotel. Good view of the harbour
Located in a drive in Layby just across the rd from the Historic Careys Bay Hotel. The Carey’s Bay Hotel is steeped in history. The hotel was designed for Port Chalmers Mayor, Henry Dench by renowned Dunedin architect Mr David Ross (who also designed the Otago Museum, “Fernhill”, the Moray Place Congregational Church and the Empire Hotel). Built in 1874 of locally quarried Port Chalmers bluestone, the hotel’s original use was as a family hostelry containing “24 rooms, besides offices and bathrooms”. The Otago Witness reported in 1874 that “The building is two-storeyed, and will be as substantial as could be desired, and its fittings and furnishings will be most elaborate. There is to be hot and cold water, either salt or fresh, laid onto the bathrooms which are situated on the upper floor…” The hotel was known for more than 100 years as the Crescent Hotel in the bay originally known as Mansford Town. The name of the bay changed to recognise the early pioneering family of David and Hannah Carey and the hotel eventually became known as the Carey’s Bay Hotel. After 130 years of being cared for by numerous publicans and experiencing some unsympathetic makeovers the hotel had the good fortune to fall into the hands of the indomitable late Cushla Martini who enthusiastically led a massive restoration project and returned the hotel to its former glory. Cushla together with publisher husband Barry Colman purchased the hotel in 2001 and found it well past its use by date. At one side, covering the original entrance was an ugly concrete toilet block, the original stud inside the hotel had been lowered, windows and doors hidden and the original plaster interior clad in utilitarian brown Formica. Cushla described the restoration process as being like the gentle sifting through of ancient layers of an archeological dig. The brown Formica would lift to reveal lovely plaster arches and the initials of builders and owners long gone. She was unable to locate Ross’ original plans, but such was the integrity of the architect’s work that it became obvious how to proceed as the builders worked. “He had done such a neat job it was only a matter of bringing the building out again. It was so easy.” With a team of local tradesman lead by Peter Munro, David Carr and Martin Paris, Cushla found a great satisfaction in restoring the once forlorn hotel into a living, successful place its original architect would have been proud of. Barry Colman then famously installed a collection of the work of local artist, Ralph Hotere. Following a brief illness due to breast cancer Cushla Martini passed away in 2005. An amazingly energetic person, Cushla left a wonderful legacy to the Port Chalmers and Carey’s Bay community. Not only did she restore the old hotel but also started a Port Chalmers restaurant “The Tall Poppy”, renovated some historic brick apartments in Slant St Carey’s Bay and restored a fisherman’s cottage opposite Miller & Tunnage Boat Builders on Macandrew Rd Carey’s Bay. Cushla’s restaurant at the Carey’s Bay hotel is dedicated to the memory and spirit of Cushla Martini. In April 2008 Barry Colman sold the hotel to a local Dunedin family, builder John Kidston his wife Mary, and daughter Joanna. Joanna, together with her dedicated staff , continues the tradition of quality food, old fashioned hospitality and comfortable surroundings that keep bringing people back to the Bay. The hotel is run as a restaurant, local pub, functions and wedding venue.
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(Decrypt)
Abj ng gur raq bs gur thneq envy
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