living history

FROM BANK TO BACKPACKERS’ TO FAMILY HOME, THIS HERITAGE BUILDING HAS HAD MANY IDENTITIES OVER THE PAST CENTURY.

WORDS PENNY CARROLL

AS THE OWNERS OF THE BOWMONT in the quiet village of Franklin, Tasmania, Michelle and Leo Crawford often find themselves answering the door to passers-by who have a story to share about their century-old home. Built in 1906 to serve as the then-bustling Huon region’s bank before morphing into a private hospital after the Second World War, the stately Edwardian pile “means a lot to a lot of people”, says Michelle, 53. “Over 3000 babies were born here during that time and that’s part of the reason it’s heritage listed. Everyone’s got a Bowmont story – they were born here, or know someone or married someone who was born here, or they’ve got a bit of some old door that has been pilfered over the years!” “Everyone’s got a Bowmont story –…

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Country Style (Digital) - 1 Issue, December 2021

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