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History of 

   
   

COTSWOLD  GARDENS

    
  William Curtis, who was born in “The Cotswolds” England in 1859, built Cotswold house in the late 1800’s.  He set sail for Australia with five shillings in his pocket, and arrived with two shillings and sixpence, having donated the other half of his money to a fund taken up for the ship’s cook.  In 1893 he opened a small drapery shop in Armidale.

William Curtis’ store grew from its humble beginnings to become one of the most successful stores in Armidale, with branches in the neighbouring towns of Uralla and Hillgrove.

“Cotswold” in those days occupied the entire block of land running between Marsh and Faulkner Streets, and Jeffrey and Newton Streets.  It was the showplace of Armidale with its beautiful garden beds and trees.  Mr. Curtis employed two full-time gardeners to maintain it.  He himself, was a devoted flower lover, travelling miles to judge the flower exhibits of country shows.  The camphor laurels to the south of the motel and the willows along Dumaresq Creek were part of the civic tree plantings he initiated in Armidale.

After Mr. Curtis’ death, the  “Cotswold” then passed through a number of hands until 1966 when the motel was development and the old house was modified to form the existing restaurant,”Manor”.

2004 saw the start of refurbishment of the property including new bathrooms and other appointments to ensure you experience all the creature comforts of home.  The Cheshire Family now welcome you to their motel & wish you a memorable & comfortable stay with them at "Cotswold Gardens".

  
         

Cotswold Gardens, 34 Marsh Street Armidale  www.cotswoldgardens.net   Email