Fremantle

My amazing colleagues very generously gave me a gift voucher for Garde when I retired.  Garde is a new, multi-story boutique hotel that is built on the site of the old courthouse and warders' cottages. Being lovers of everything historic, we decided to use the voucher to stay in one of the warders' cottages.  The cottages were built in 1852 and each has been transformed into very comfortable guest rooms.  The original wide wooden floors have been retained, the fittings have been chosen carefully and all the mod-cons like aircon have been hidden away.  They've managed to keep a bit of the feel of the old cottages and create some luxury at the same time. The cottage was super quiet and just perfect for a lie in. 

Garde has made an effort to tie in the new with the old.  I'm not completely sure how successful they've been. I've included some pictures so you can decide for yourself.

They have created some lovely garden spaces (which I didn't photograph) and dotted wee possum statues all about the place. They're almost as cute as the real thing.

  

 

One of the highlights of the Garde is Emily Taylors which is situated right next to the Fremantle markets.   We didn't have dinner there, a decision we deeply regretted after having a very average Italian meal at one of the many Italian restaurants in Fremantle.  But we did have dessert there which saved the evening. Their desserts are amazing.  I had whipped yuzu cheesecake which was served with citrus salad and lime sorbet. Divine.  R had baked ganache, dark chocolate, pandan parfait and blueberries.  He said it was seriously good.

Breakfast is included with the room price. Garde does a really good buffet breakfast with plenty of choice. I'm sure even the fussiest of eaters could find something.  There were several different yoghurts and fresh fruits, Bircher muesli or house-made (which was delicious), pastries, different types of breads and a selection of jams and other toppings.  The spiced pears were a standout.  If I'd just had those I'd have been happy.  

Overall, we had a very pleasant stay. I could get used to that kind of luxury without too much effort at all.  So, a huge thankyou goes out to my former colleagues for their very generous, and very humbling, gift.