As it nears its 150th anniversary, a much-loved South Canterbury institution is entering a bold new chapter.
Jane Campbell and Ronnie Edwards, also widely known as Calamity Jane and The Sheriff, became the proud and excited new owners of the Masonic Hotel, St Andrews in September.
Jane and Ronnie, originally from Christchurch but long-time residents of Australia, first discovered the landmark art deco Masonic while travelling to the Oamaru Steampunk Festival last May. The hotel, located 17 kilometres south of Timaru in St Andrews, immediately caught their attention.
“Even though accommodation wasn’t on offer, we liked the look of it, so we parked up in our camper and decided to stop for the night.”
When the couple realised the hotel was for sale, their interest escalated and they put in a call to Lyz Palmer of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Timaru, who was marketing the property.
“The Masonic’s architecture and history naturally attract interest,” says Lyz. “But it takes patience to find a buyer with the right personality and vision to truly bring it back to life.”
Jane and Ronnie’s path to St Andrews has been anything but ordinary. Between them, they’ve lived in the United Kingdom and across Australia, running businesses and working in construction, real estate, hospitality and dressmaking.
They’ve also overcome major challenges. In 2011, Jane lost her left leg below the knee in a motorcycle accident in Perth. Undeterred, she still rides her Harley Davidson trike, while Ronnie is a 30-plus-year HOG (Harley Owners Group) life member. Now, they have a purpose and a vision: to bring the property back to its former glory, inspired by the local community’s enthusiasm.
“We want to open it up and make it rock.”
A hostelry first stood on the St Andrews site in 1876, and Jane and Ronnie are now its 15th owners. In 1936, on the very night a previous owner took possession, the hotel burned down in suspicious circumstances. The following year it was rebuilt by a new owner in the striking art deco style seen today, complete with leadlights and wood panelling.
After several years operating only in a limited capacity, at times housing workers from the Pareora meat processing plant, the Masonic is set for revival. Jane and Ronnie are determined to restore it as a thriving local gathering place and a welcoming stop for passing travellers.
“While it’s an incredible building, it needed tidying up, inside and out. Everything runs off the kitchen, and we’ve set up the dining room to seat 25. We had a few trials with friends and family over Christmas, though to operate commercially will need a chef. We’re also looking at the bar and have licences to apply for. Most of the locals have been in and it’s great to see how excited they are about what we are doing,” says Jane.
Now well into the first phase of refurbishment, the couple have been clearing the garden, uncovering original locally made brickwork and repairing roofs and ceilings. Once they open for business as the local, which they intend to rename The St Andrews Hotel, their next focus will be accommodation, refurbishing the six separate hotel rooms on the upper level.
“We have plenty of other ideas, including bands and events. We want to maximise this amazing location and see what we can do for the local St Andrews community,” Jane says.
With three industrial sewing machines from her days as a seamstress, Jane also intends to start an additional business, making the likes of steampunk hats and jackets, as an extra reason for passers-by to stop in at the hotel. Meanwhile, Calamity Jane and The Sheriff’s collection of bikes and classic cars are likely to gain plenty of local attention.
Lyz is thrilled to see how well Jane and Ronnie are progressing and looks forward to the iconic building’s next chapter. “To see it fully restored, with locals and travellers gathered inside enjoying a meal and a drink together, will be a truly special and satisfying moment.”
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