Why Appin Hall?

In 1998, co-founders of Appin Hall, Maggie and Ronnie Burns, moved to the north West Coast of Tasmania with a vision to build a refuge and safe haven for children orphaned by war in many countries. They purchased two parcels of land in the rural township of Erriba 45min drive south of Devonport close to famous Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clare National Park.

The name 'Appin' was derived from a Celtic ancestral connection for Maggie & Ronnie Burns. While initiating the vision for the project, they looked toward their Scottish ancestry to find a name that would reflect the evolution of this exploration.

Appin, in Scotland, was an old Celtic town and province located in the north/west highlands. Today there remain the ruins of an old castle and manor house in what was once a thriving village when the 'Stewarts of Appin' prevailed ... Maggie's maiden name is Stewart. On this small peninsular the Stewarts of Appin lived side-by-side with the neighbouring Clan Campbell which included the Clan Burns. Appin Hall, in Tasmania, is a fusion of the Burns Clan with the Clan of Stewart, now proposing to create a refuge and a safe haven for children.

The 'Hall' aspect was conceived from their plan to build a large hall where children could congregate to sing and dance. The initial concept has since evolved to a proposed theatre complex for performing arts - for the children.

Why the Celtic and French Provincial influence?

Appin Hall’s future building design will take its theme from Celtic origins, but will also be equally influenced with a French Provincial rural design component. The French Connection, so to speak, has been chosen to influence the ‘fantasy’ characteristics envisaged, that will be incorporated in Appin Halls overall uniqueness and distinctive architectural and landscaping features. Children will have an integral involvement in the overall design and building of the village, including the numerous ‘fantasy’ elements. A Solar or Stella influence will be captured within the architectural plan and will include symbols respected by ancient civilizations - the sun, moon, human spirit, nature, earth, air, water, fire, animal kingdom, travel, literary aspects.

To provide the beginnings of the Dream through our collective intent, vision and goodwill; all projects, no matter how large or small, must evolve from a vision or dream in order to manifest the desired plan.