I encourage you to read our story below and look forward to hearing from you.Kind regards Kevin............
The restoration of this old Homestead was all taken in my (Kevin) stride as with over 35 years of experience in the building trade this was my normal day to day job. What has amazed me in the last 5 years is how much of a life transformation Rothwood has given my wife Swan and I. A true “tree change” if ever there was one. I remember as a young child in the UK, always helping my dad in his gardens, growing and cultivating veggies, mowing lawns,trimming trees, feeding the chickens. Then building a small grocery round within our close knitted local community for extra pocket money. Our neighbor’s, simply loved the organic, fresh tasting produce. These were the best lessons in life any young man could have wished for, and for that I will be eternally grateful to my parents.
Little did I know some 40 years on the other side of the world, that the life experiences I learnt as a teenager would come back to be such a huge influence on my life. Little did I know I would have a transformation of body and soul in being able to be the custodian of this most beautiful piece of land. Little did I know my dreams would be fulfilled in having the best job a man could ask for.
Although it’s been 5 years of extremely hard work and will continue to be, as an ongoing project. This type of business could never be considered as complete. It will never stop evolving, growing, turning in unexpected directions even by the day. We have the added bonus of meeting people from different cultures and life experiences who live all over this wonderful planet. Just 5 years ago I wouldn’t of believed “myself” if I knew where we would be today in terms of where our business is heading.
We started Rothwood as a small boutique, Bed and Breakfast offering short term accommodation to travelers both domestic and international, heading to and from Perth. This was a fantastic opportunity in Perth at the time because of our proximity to Perth’s airports and the mining boom was still strong. We were far enough away from the airport flight paths but still only a 10 minute drive away. Alas this didn’t last. As the mining boom came to an end and more importantly with the introduction of websites like Air BnB business slowed down to an almost full stop. It was almost by chance, as well as hard work that I had carried on working in the gardens and surrounding areas of Rothwood. This is were my childhood seemed to be reignited and has since turned into my greatest passion.
Swan and I were lucky enough to hold our marriage at “Rothwood” on the most important day of our lives. Although the gardens were in their infancy, our guests loved the private, tranquil setting of our all in one, wedding venue. It was an instant hit as Swan’s niece also asked us if she could hold her wedding in our gardens and accommodate her family from Indonesia. Then in turn her niece had a friend who wanted to be married at Rothwood. And so it began, with social media and the sharing of photos, it started snow balling into something I could never of imagined. Purely through hard work, determination and a willingness to give our guests the best time ever at Rothwood our live’s had somehow transformed into being able to host,and accommodate, the most special of days in most peoples live’s.
Moving forward as the gardens are establishing themselves and with continued hard work. We see a very bright future ahead. We’re actively obtaining equipment, information and knowledge to make our venue and one stop shop for weddings.We want to offer an occasion to suit any couples special day. From a 2 or 3 hour pop up styled wedding were we arrange every aspect of your wedding for you. Including wedding celebrant, photographer, outside catering, wedding set up including furnishings. To a wedding extravaganza weekend were your able to set up our gardens DIY style. Providing Ceremony, reception and accommodation all in one place. We’re here to help, advise, and work with you on ideas of what can be achieved . One thing we have already learnt is no 2 weddings are ever going to be the same. This is something I’m very passionate about. My experience’s so far with wedding suppliers is that they love to package things up. This is ok for price guides, but we’d rather say to you “tell us what you want and we will deliver it.”
As I write this story, I’m adding to our list of wedding, suppliers and associates. I’m also adding to our comprehensive list of garden furniture we have available for hire on an individual item by item basis.The list includes, tables, stools, chairs, straw bailes, barrels, Oyster bar, wheelbarrow fire pit and much more. My latest addition is a 1.2m high rustic “LOVE” sign I’ve made from an old hardwood Jarrah deck that I’ve recycled. I’ve also made a white arbor which looks stunning when used in front of the wooded back drop.
Looking to the future. Rothwood is much more than a one trick wedding pony though. As being a garden venue will be a bit tricky in Winter, even with the great year round Perth weather climate. The completion, of the best state of the art stadium in the southern hemisphere about to open and only being 10 km’s down the road in my opinion, gives us a massive opportunity to expand our business. Each week during footy season a different set of supporters will take on the trip to Perth and the Westcoast of Australia. Not everyone will be able to afford to stay at Packers albeit world class hotel and pay $11 for a bottle of beer. We see this as a chance in a lifetime. We want to position ourselves to provide an affordable and wonderful short term accommodation option for these travelling fans. Ideally situated for small groups or large families travelling to Perth. We will provide a comprehensive service from airport and match day pick up’s and drop off’s to local wine tasting tours and visiting our City in the hills of Perth. Again, options and great service, providing everlasting experience’s are the key. We will listen to our clients and give them what they ask for. This obviously in turn promotes not only the Kalamunda area but in turn many other local business’es that may go unnoticed. All up we’re in a very exciting time in a very difficult local economy. It’s up to us to keep up the good work and keep providing the best experience for all our guests. Watch this space!
A little more information on our accommodation..... Set on the 5 beautiful acres with lush green paddocks, colorful country gardens, fruit tree orchard, babbling winter brook, swimming pool with built-in spa, large deck area, Bali gazebo and a ornate BBQ is "ROTHWOOD". Add to this the the old homestead which has been lovingly restored to it's former glory. With 4 bedrooms in the main house and a separate room with it's own vanity basin overlooking the stable yard, Rothwood is a mix of old quirky, rustic, nostalgia meets new modern decoration, artwork and furnishings. 3 of the bedrooms have split king singles which can be tailored to your specific sleeping requirements. All bedrooms have flat screen TV's, reverse cycle AC, timber blinds and polished Jarrah flooring. The fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, fridge freezer, microwave,pots and pans,and gas stove oven, provide all you require to knock up a special feast. There are 2 lounges and a formal dinning room which complete the internal layout of the property.
Outside is a swimming pool with built in spa, large deck area, Balinese gazebo and brick built BBQ with granite bench tops. To the rear of the property are large gum trees and a fruit tree orchard with Apples, Oranges, Lemons, Passion fruit, Plum, and Avacardo. It's really quite lovely to sit beneath the shade and listen to the babbling brook that meanders through the gardens. The’re are so many different little areas to sit and relax with a glass of local wine or beer of your choice.
Please give me a call today to see how we can help you make the most of your stay in this very special piece of paradise.
