Gaby’s Stables

Architect/s: Unknown (1840)

Builder/s: Henry & James Kestall Buscombe

The Gaby’s Stables are Richmond’s only surviving stables in original condition. Accessed by a concealed door in the IGA store, step back in time to discover a vignette of early Richmond.

The Richmond IGA Supermarket may look modern at first glance, but its origins go a long way back – it is believed to be one of the oldest general stores still operating in Tasmania. Built around 1840 by brothers Henry and James Buscombe, the complex of buildings included a house, two shops, numerous outbuildings, a blacksmith shop and the ‘Old Stables’. The Buscombe brothers built many of the early shops and houses of Richmond, including Prospect House, Oak Lodge and Buscombe’s tower windmill (demolished 1908). All were constructed in the space of 12 years from 1827. Between them, the Buscombe brothers were responsible for much of Richmond’s colonial character.

James Buscombe’s son sold the property in 1883 and in the 1890s, owner Alf Burrell ran a blacksmith’s shop here. The shop has been owned and/or run by many families over is long life, including: the Chapman, Nichols, and Gillow, Gaby (nearly 60 years), Plummer and Youldon families. Purchased in the 1970s by the Tzortzis family, it’s now run by son, Kosta Tzortzis.

Open: Sunday 25 February 2024, 9 am – 12 noon

Access: Entry via the IGA store