MR. EWART’S NEW HOTEL.

Marlborough Express, Volume III, Issue 98, 25 January 1868, Page 4

MR. EWART’S NEW HOTEL.

As this handsome edifice is now fast approaching completion, and very shortly to be occupied for business, a description of it will not be unwelcome to the public. In giving a detailed account of our visit to the building, we will endeavour—notwithstanding some necessaiy technicalities—to make the narrative as interesting to the general reader as may be consistent with perspicuity and exactness. The designs were furnished by Mr. Wm. Douslin, who has also been entrusted with the duty of superintending the practical execution of the work. The total cost of the structure is about £1,200, and the whole of the apartments are to be completed and fitted in the most modern style for an establishment of the character.

The hotel is situate, as most of our readers are aware, in the westerly part of High-street, and divided from the Telegraph and other Government offices by a broad right-of-way leading to the stables, &c., in the rear of the building. It is conspicuous by its extent and height, and viewed from a little distance presents a most effective and imposing appearance. The total height of the facade from the ground to the top of the parapet is 24ft.; the frontage, or more correctly the width of the building, is 46ft., while the total depth is 68ft., of which the main building is 45ft., there being a large lean-to at the back which takes up the remainder. The material used in the construction is chiefly white pine, with the slight exception of the plates. The principal entrance is in the centre of the front; there is a bar door at the corner, and on the west side is a private entrance for the use of families or ladies staying in the hotel. On the ground floor to the right are two windows, and on the left two windows which look into the bar; above these is a stringing course two inches thick, which surrounds the building. Above this are six windows again, all of which have cmcular heads, with a reveal sin. wide from the front of the building ; and as well as the doors, have double-sunk moulded architraves 1 lin. wide fixed around them ; the lower ones are in two panes of glass, 40 by 40in. each, while the upper ones are 36 by 40in. The hall and bar entrances have folding doors opening in the centre, made of 24in. stuff, framed and O.G. mouldings on the inside, with large projecting mouldings on the outside, and set back 18in.; circular fan-lights are fixed above each. The roof is hipped, the back portion being cohered with corrugated iron —a very useful precaution against fire, which might otherwise occur by means of sparks from the kitchen chimney. On the top of the building a veiy bold cornice supports a parapet, formed with a series of pillars 18in. high, recessed at intervals. The front, which shows 46ft. to Highstreet, continued for 13ft. on the East, and 18ft. bn the West side, is rusticated; and has a plinth, with .' moulding 18in. deep, extending the same length. Ascending l the steps at the main door, the visitor finds himself in a spacious entrance hall, 7ft. wide, running through the entire building. On the right we enter the 1 billiard room 23 by 17ft., which, as well as ithe; bah and dining room, is wainscoted Ssft. high. Beneath ! is a cellar capable of l containing a Access’tb uch|iabbtained;tyy of ybnivthis is . the private passage Aft. wide, 'andr then' a bedroom and ■ private parlor. lO by 13 and 12 by 13ft. respectively; ‘ These; have a sUding; satti- ; tion l betweenthem, so* as' to' allow the two" Tboms toibelthrown; into one if rebuiredi hantLlifront Corner ,isTthe bar;*

14 by 14ffc. ; a bar parlor comes next, with door leadinginto the dining rooin; -20 ‘by ~ 14ft., which is also separatedby a sliding partition. Behind these again is a large kitchen, 14 by 15ft., and a communication exists with the dining room by-means of a small sliding door 2ft. wide, set in the wall.

Leading out of the main passage, we ascend to the first floor by a spacious well staircase, -with continued rails of red pine polished ; a door on the first landing leads on the left to two private bedrooms, lift. Gin. by 10ft. Gin. and 9ft. by 14ft. On the upper floor is a passage 7ft. wide, with doors right and left, leading to other apartments. Over the bar is a large bedroom 14 by 14ft., commanding a glorious prospective of the surrounding country; an ante-chamber, 10 by 7ft. separates this room from the lodge room; which is 17 by 23ft., and occupies the remainder of the front; behind these are other bedrooms entering from the same passage, which is lighted from the roof.

The contractors for the building are Messrs. Nixon and Sweeney, and it is but doing them justice to say that the workmanship and the unceasing diligence displayed in carrying out the able plans of the architect do them great credit. Messrs. Norgrove Bros, are the contractors for the painting and paperhanging, and are now busily engaged in completing their duties, which will require another fortnight or thereabouts.

Adjoining and in rear of the hotel is an extensive orchard and stable yard; two stables with nine stalls each and a capacity for a farther extension when necessary, sheds and piggeries. There is a back entrance also for the use of persons coming from the direction of Maxwell Road.

It only remains for us to say that the building for size and architectural beauty will vie with any other of the same character in the province, and we trust that its well-known and enterprising owner will find himself quickly repaid for his extraordinary spirit in such dull times as the present.

We understand that Mr. Ewart purposes opening on Saturday next, Feb 1,