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Former Star Hotel - Beechworth Historic Area

Other Name Star Youth Hostel Location 33 Ford Street,, BEECHWORTH VIC 3747 - Property No B0381 File Number B0381 Level Regional

[1/1] B0381 Star Youth Hostel Star

Statement of Significance

The first hotel in Beechworth was opened on this site in 1853 by W H Neuber. J A Wallace purchased the premises in 1857 and erected a long two storey timber structure with a verandah. It was named the Star Hotel and incorporated a theatre seating 500. In 1864 J S Clark bought the hotel, demolished the central portion of the timber building and erected the present two storey brick structure.
A hotel has existed on this site since 1853. The present structure was once part of a large complex which was the focal point of social life in the town and the largest hotel in the district. It is a fine example of Australian country hotel architecture, simply composed with a deep verandah to the street. The drawing room on the first floor is a notable feature of the interior. The Star Hotel is an outstanding element of the Ford Streetscape.
The building has recently been restored and now serves as a Youth Hostel. The old features of the building have been retained where possible. The facade has been painted. The present arrangement of the ground floor windows is not as it appeared originally.
Classified:'Local' 09/04/1959
Revised: 25/05/1972

Historic Area Statement of significance: Beechworth is a picturesque nineteenth Century provincial town. It is a well preserved example of Government and private building which resulted from the town's important historical role as the administrative and commercial centre of Victoria's north-eastern goldfields. Beechworth was once significant for its position on an early overland route from Melbourne to Sydney.
The town is located sympathetically to the topography, in an area of considerable landscape interest. Set amidst forested undulating country, there remain many relics of the mining era in and about Beechworh. It is a rich field for the industrial archaeology.
There are within the town a large number of historical and architecturally significant buildings. These display a quality of form and richness of material and detail, which make Beechworth one of the most significant of Austraila's goldfield towns. Of particular interest is the common usage of local granite in construction. Its honey colour imparts a quality distinctive to Beechworth.
The highlights of Beechworth are the grid of wide streets flanked with granite kerbing; the streetscapes of considerable integrity with groups of homogeneous buildings set off by mature elms and other exotic trees; and the remnants of historic Victorian gardens. About the town there are many examples of nineteenth century street furniture, signs and fences. Beechworth's historical wealth is of national significance.
Classified: April, 1983