A heritage-listed Launceston building that started out as a Sunday school and later became a church will open this month as an adults-only boutique hotel with 15 suites.
The Ember, at 126 Balfour Street in the city centre, is scheduled to open on November 20.
The hotel occupies the former Trinity Uniting Church, a former Methodist church that is a permanently registered Tasmanian heritage place.
The hotel is locally owned and operated by founders Tim and Ally Daley and Daniel Harris. Ally Daley led the concept, design and project coordination.
The owners said the hotel was built mainly by Tasmanian trades, makers, craftspeople and suppliers.
They said the project was “deliberately kept largely under wraps” during development so it could be revealed as a complete experience.
The building was constructed in 1889 as a Wesleyan Sunday school for the adjoining Margaret Street Wesleyan Church.
It was designed and built by Launceston firm J. & T. Gunn.
In 1917-18 it was extensively remodelled and converted into a church under architect Harold Masters and it reopened for worship in January 1918.
In 2017 the Uniting Church announced plans to sell the property.
The hotel keeps the building’s original stained glass and timber detailing. These sit alongside stone finishes, sculptural lighting, fireplaces, rich textiles and bespoke furniture.
Rooms are named after constellations and guests use self check-in and check-out.
The owners said The Ember was designed mainly for one and two-night stays.
“Some details are designed to make an impression, others are simply there to be discovered,” Ally Daley said.
“I wanted The Ember to have little moments of surprise and whimsy that guests remember long after their stay.”
The owners said they “never wanted The Ember to feel like a hotel that could simply exist anywhere”.
