In September 2013, a five-bedroom Federation home in West Hobart opened as a short-stay accommodation property. Four months later, Virgin Australia's Voyeur magazine listed it among the five best new places to stay in Australia – alongside a $30 million Sydney hotel conversion and a Sheraton resort.
Library House grew from a problem its owners hadn't planned for – a house that wouldn't sell in one of Hobart's most challenging property periods. But re-imagined, Library House flourished as boutique accommodation and over eighteen months maintained a perfect five-star record throughout.
This book is the story of how that happened. And the manual for what it teaches.
Part memoir. Part manual.
Written by the person who co-conceived, built and ran Library House, this book takes you inside every decision and every learning – from the council permit to the compendium, the way the pantry was stocked to the e-commerce system.
There is a philosophy that ran beneath every decision made at Library House. This book names it – and shows exactly how it worked in practice.
Who is this for
If you're considering – or already running – a great short-stay property and want to understand the touches that make guests feel truly at home.
If you work in hospitality, service design, or any field where the experience you create is the product.
Or if you simply love beautifully considered places and want to understand what goes into making them.
You’ll walk away with:
A philosophy of service you can apply immediately. A practical understanding of the operational decisions that make the difference. And the honest and heartfelt story – including the unexpected joys – of doing something properly.
$22 AUD – instant digital download
e-book • 147 pages • photography by George Apostolidis
“Better than a novel – Ch16” – Kingsley, M&A lawyer, Hobart