OBJECT TITLE / NAME

The Esplanade, Mornington

DATE1920s

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society

REG NO.1448.2

HISTORY

A landmark in Mornington, Rennison’s Schnapper Point Hotel was built in the late 1850’s and renamed the Royal Hotel in 1876. It is situated at 770 Esplanade. By 1863 the Hotel offered 22 accommodation rooms increasing to 65 rooms by the 1870’s with a garden and stables on three and half acres. The substantial stables demolished in 1970 and yard were once the depot for Cobb and Co. Coaches. In 1891 a billiard room and public hall were added. Extensive restoration to the facade and verandahs was completed in 1984. An undergound tunnel since filled in, between Royal Beach and the hotel was used for transferring goods from ships the the hotel. Opposite the hotel on Royal Beach was once a windmill that was used to pump seawater to the hotel for hot and cold baths. Kirkpatrick’s Hotel was build in the early 1870’s and named after the original licensee James Kirkpatrick. In the 1920’s the facade was renovated in the Spanish Mission style with further changes over the years but the 1870’s features such as the roof line and details under the eaves can still be seen. Eric Welch racing commentator and co-organiser of the Children’s Hospital Appeal for more than 25 years became the licensee in 1954 managing the hotel until the 1970’s.

DESCRIPTION

1. This is a view from the beach looking up to the Esplanade. Three striking buildings can be seen, with several small dwellings between. To the right of the picture is the Royal Hotel with it’s beautfull verandahs on both levels, and in the centre is Kirkpatrick’s Hotel with it’s original verandahs, similar to the Royal. To the left of the image is another impressive building.
2. This is another view of the Esplanade. In the centre is Kirkpatrick’s and to the right is The Royal Hotel. To the left of the photo is another impressive building, and in between is a one storey dwelling with a verandah along the front, and a pitched roof. In the foreground is a white picket fence.

SUBJECTS

Holidays, Hotels, Ships, Stables

KEYWORDS

Cobb & Co Coaches, Esplanade, Holidays, Hotels, Kirkpatrick's Hotel, Kirkpatrick, James, Mornington, Royal Hotel, Schnapper Point, Ships, Stables, Welch, Eric