The Carinya Guesthouse Lorne

Caryina guesthouse was located at 64 Smith street, opposite the Cumberland Resort tennis courts. Frank Beaurepaire was its proprietor. Carinya, an Aboriginal word that means “happy home” or “peaceful home”, was a stylish up market resort by the standards of the day. Advertisement for Caryina boasted is was only one minute from the beach, with its own electric light plant, hot water service, sewerage, billiard room, tennis courts, croquet lawns, and lock-up garages, whilst in the many bathing boxes, it had provided on the beach for the guests, there were fresh-water showers. Section of original building removed to allow remainder to be divided into separate blocks. Currently a private home.

Carinya Guesthouse c1940

Carina’s proprietor, Frank Beaurepaire, successfully marketed Carina as a holiday destination for young, adventurous singles looking for a good time. In 1926 Smiths Weekly reported that on a visitors list of 160 at Carina, “there was just one married couple. The sexes were evenly balanced, and to all appearances there was neither man nor woman over 30 in the place.” The 1939 advertising slogan for Carina was “A new happiness, a new outlook on life, a new circle of friends, new joys and a sunny holiday on a beautiful beach.” Guests were enticed with such luxuries as electric light and sewerage throughout, hot and cold showers, free tennis, croquet, billiards, cinema, bathing boxes with freshwater showers and a dancehall, all for a moderate tariff. Daily activities such as picnics, parties, walks and games were organised. Guest reunions were even organised in Melbourne throughout the year.