Franklin House

Built in 1838 by former convict brewer and publican, Britton Jones, in 1842 the house became one of the colony’s leading private schools, run by W. K. Hawkes. The house’s facade boasts an Ionic portico while the back has a charming Tasmanian vernacular flavour. The interiors are furnished to reflect 19th century life in Tasmania. The National Trust in Tasmania was founded in 1960 to preserve and furnish this house, then known as The Hollies. The Tearooms are open during house hours for light meals and refreshments. In the garden, relax under the shade of a 180-year-old oak tree, wander through the flower beds and Victorian kitchen garden and send the children in search of Patrick’s Pails. Patrick Lambert was a 19th century gardener at The Hollies. The Metro Bus services, numbers 40 and 50 from the City to Franklin village, stop outside the House. Nearby and also accessible is St James Church which was built in 1845 and has many associations with the House; Launceston CBD (including Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery); Jospeh Chromy Wines; Tamar Valley Wine Route and Tamar River Cruises; Evandale Village and Clarendon.