About Athelstane House
Athelstane House is Queenscliff's oldest operating guesthouse, built in 1860 this heritage home is sure to impress with its beautiful archways, heritage stairs and quirky, charming characteristics.
The house was renovated in the 90's to provide all the mod-cons required in our modern world.
When you step inside the house we want you to feel like you're coming home. This is why all our rooms are unique, each is individually decorated and cleaned to perfection for your comfort and safety.
Guests at the house can choose between our bed and breakfast rates including a fully cooked A La Carte Breakfast daily or our Room Only rates for those who prefer to sleep in or explore the local coffee shops!
A stay at the house also includes a complimentary late checkout, WIFI & parking.
Athelstane House is a contactless venue, you will receive information two days prior to your arrival via email and text message which will provide you with all the information you need for an easy entry and a relaxed exit plus important contact information should you require assistance anytime.
Although we do not have a formal reception desk, staff are on site every day and all guests are provided with a mobile number before their stay with a staff member available via call and text 24/7.
We became a contactless venue in 2020 during the pandemic and have continued this addition to the house on into current times due to nation wide staff shortages in which we have chosen to operate our daily breakfast service in favour of a reception desk. We appreciate your understanding.
All guests are welcome to enjoy the venue including our guest lounge (full of books, magazines, and a big comfy couch!), the garden, the terrace and our upstairs and downstairs verandah.
Our guest lounge has a microwave, cutlery, crockery, an ice machine, wine,
champagne and water glasses and chilled water in the fridge.
The house has nine rooms to choose from, all of our rooms have their own private ensuite.
All of our nine rooms have ensuites with a shower over a double soaking tub with the exception of our Courtyard Room which has a walk in shower. Please note that baths do not have hand rails (see FAQ's).
All of our rooms are located on the first floor, approximately 20 steps up, with the exception of the Courtyard Room which is located on the ground floor.
All rooms have the same ammenities including tea and coffee making facilities, bar fridge, TV,
but vary in size. Our Small Rooms are the most petite option and the King Room
and Large Standard Rooms are the largest room options.
The business is owned by Laurel Hill, a lover of all things accommodation and tourism.
Laurel bought the guesthouse in 2015 as her first solo project.
The house is run by a small but incredibly devoted and loyal team including Breakfast Chef Patricia,
Front of House & Housekeeping superstar Emma and our Gardener Mark.
The History of Athelstane House
William Henry Bonsey purchased the northeast corner of Hesse and Hobson Streets, Queenscliff in June 1855 for £75.00. The smaller western half of Athelstane was built in the early 1860's by John Craig and in 1866/67 he added the present eastern section with verandah. Craig owned the general store and bakery, now Ashby House, and spent the latter part of the 1860's steadily improving the property.
In those days Athelstane was a hip roofed, stucco duplex, with central chimney and a concave roof, divided return verandah with timber posts and cast iron baluster panels. A picket fence with two gates enclosed the front yard and two bay windows adorned the ground floor wall. Craig sold the building at the turn of the century to Ebenezer Cuzebs.
Since then Athelstane has been altered externally and added to at the rear. A brick verandah has replaced the original and the original rear single storied service blocks have been increased to two stories to make more lettable rooms.
Athelstane has operated as a boarding house now for a hundred years. The present renovation took place in 1998 and has reduced the number of rooms to nine but added ensuite bathrooms.