Welcome to Stanley's first residential cottages.
Built around 1830, Touchwood Cottage is the oldest private house in Stanley. Originally a four roomed cottage constructed in Georgian style, the building and the surrounding ten acres formed one of the early private farms in the area. Now, it boasts a lovingly restored and charmingly appointed accommodation of four historic cottages and a cafe on site. Each cottage retains its own distinct character and vintage elements such as the original fireplaces, stoves and the town's first ever telephone. Learn more about our story below.
History Of The Cottages
A Place Where History Still Lives
Built around 1830, Touchwood Cottage is believed to be the oldest private house in Stanley, standing as a quiet witness to the town’s earliest days. Originally a modest four-room Georgian stone cottage, Touchwood formed the heart of one of the area’s first private farms, set on what was once ten acres of working land.
The cottage was constructed from bluestone shipped from England as ballast, a practical solution that became a defining feature of Stanley’s early buildings. From the southern side of the property, the original footprint of the cottage is still clearly visible today, offering a rare glimpse into its earliest form.
In its first decades, Touchwood functioned as part of a small but self-sufficient farmstead. A stone wall on the northern side once connected the cottage to separate outbuildings, including a kitchen and dairy, reflecting the practical rhythms of early colonial life.
Around 1900, the cottage evolved. A verandah and gable were added, and the original outbuildings were absorbed into the main house, with the kitchen relocated to its present position. The former dairy would later become known as The Studio, preserving its agricultural origins while adapting to new uses.
Touchwood has been home to a number of notable owners over the years, including Henry Emmett, who served as Secretary to the Governor and Secretary to the Van Diemen’s Land Company from 1854. Each custodian has added another chapter to the property’s long story.
In 1984, a new phase of Touchwood’s life began when Mark Leech and Ben Dixon constructed the commercial building now home to the Touchwood Café, along with the Gardean Loft Cottage. Originally used as a workshop for creating craft items sold through the gallery and café, the Gardean Loft has since been transformed into a family-sized accommodation offering, blending comfort with character.
The properties new custodians took over on Valentine’s Day 2025 and renamed the site Angel's Aisle. In a poetic twist of timing, Angel, was conceived on Valentine’s Day in 2014, weaving another layer of personal meaning into the place.
Today, Angel's Aisle is a collection of historic cottages, creative spaces, and hospitality, where the past is not frozen behind glass, but lived in, adapted, and shared. From hand-laid stone walls to warm interiors and garden spaces shaped by decades of care, Touchwood invites visitors to slow down and experience Stanley as it once was, and as it continues to be.
Angel's Story
Angel’s Aisle Cottages is named in honour of Angelique - lovingly known as Angel - a young girl whose heart & spirit continue to inspire everyone around her. From the age of two, Angel has brought light and joy to those she meets, often described by teachers and friends as kind, funny, caring, and a truly beautiful soul.
At just six years old, Angel faced a rare and life-changing accident. As part of her healing journey, she channeled her experience into creativity, writing and illustrating a children's book aimed at informing her peers about overcoming 'little worries' which was published when she was only eight. Her zest for life shines through in her many passions — from travelling, entertaining, singing, and surfing, to stand-up comedy, where she won first place on an international cruise at age nine.
A lover of musicals, Angel became the youngest lead cast member in her school's productions, performing singing roles in both Year 3 and Year 4.
The new custodians, based in Queensland, found something serendipitous in Stanley — the cottages are located near Alexander Terrace, sharing the name of their youngest son. For them, it's the perfect meeting place of Angel and Alex, a symbolic and heartfelt connection.
With strong family ties to Hobart, the new owners feel a deep connection to Tasmania — and through Angel’s Aisle Cottages, they’re proud to share that connection with you.
Angel's Charity Endevours
An angel wishing-well is currently under construction. All proceeds will be donated to the national breast cancer association.
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