Temperance House
Temperance House is a heritage hotel built in 1855 in the Central Victorian gold mining town of Castlemaine. The property has had many incarnations since it was built, the most recent being a conversion by the clients into boutique accommodation.
To the rear of the hotel is a courtyard that had long been covered in asphalt to serve as a carpark for guests. The clients saw the potential of this space and were keen to pull up a section of the asphalt and establish a kitchen and herb garden.
In addition to providing a productive food garden for the clients to enjoy, the goal was also to soften the space, and cool the hot brick courtyard.
Taking inspiration from the surroundings, the garden combines industrial-feeling concrete planters for the veggie beds, with a mediterranean plant selection that stretches around the outside edge of the garden. While being well suited to Castlemaine’s tough climate, these plants also sit beautifully next to the heritage brick walls surrounding the courtyard.
