An arthouse is a place where artists live, teach and produce art work. "Arthouse" also refers to people exploring, experimenting and pushing the boundaries in which they normally live to reveal their creativity.

The Branxton Inn Arthouse is located on the New England Highway (35 Maitland Street), Branxton, Hunter Valley.

The building, circa 1843, is situated on almost an acre of land and has a long and checkered history. Constructed in weatherboards, it began life as a single storey inn and guesthouse. Additions, including a second storey was added at the western end of the building in the 1890s.

It has been known by many names over the years and held the licence as the Commercial Hotel until 1927. It was then a private residence until the late 1970s when it was redecorated and turned into a restaurant called The Branxton Inn.

The Branxton Inn Restaurant was well known across and beyond the Hunter Valley. In its heyday in the late 1980s it was a popular place for weddings, Rolls Royces would be parked outside and people helicoptered into the back garden! The restaurant changed hands several times until it stopped trading in 2002 and was placed on the market.

Stephen and Melanie James bought the property in August 2003 knowing that an incredible amount of work was required to restore the building. An unfortunate neglect of regular recent maintenance rather than age that did most of the damage!

They set about ripping out the masonite and old wallpaper that covered a myriad of renovation sins. They have then completely rebuilt the interiors, saving what they could of the original materials wherever they could. Many of the cedar walls were eaten out by old termite damage but several of the cedar ceilings have been saved.

Much of the house was restumped, studs and joists where needed were replaced and insulation and firewalls installed.

False ceilings covered some of the original corrugated iron ones and these have been restored. The main art classroom shows some of the original 10" wide cedar liner boards, small entrance doorway and iron ceiling.

We found the large cellar under the main lounge room, an 1863 gold half sovereign and a an array of broken bottles under the floors.

There is still work to be done to restore the building but there is no doubt that the Arthouse is a wonderful place to live and work.