Our History

The History of McAlpine House

McAlpine House was built in 1910 for Pearling Master Herbert Kennedy.

Made in the traditional and unique architectural style of Broome, from corrugated iron and timber with spacious, latticed verandahs, the house has an ambience of tranquillity and comfort.

In 1982, Lord Alistair McAlpine of West Green purchased the house from the Kennedy family. Preserving the original structures, he carried out extensions in keeping with the architectural style of the original house. He also planted an extensive garden with aviaries which housed exotic birds, including his prized Eclectus Parrots, which still reside at McAlpine House today.

It was to be Lord McAlpine’s residence in Broome for the next decade.

In the mid 1990's, the house was sold to Colin and Cheryl Wilkinson, who tastefully rejuvenated the house and transformed it into an exclusive guest house, retaining the McAlpine name for the property.

In the late 1990's, the house once again became a pearler's home, being purchased by Marilynne Paspaley AO, a member of the successful Paspaley family who have been master pearlers in Broome and the Kimberley since the 1930's.

Ms. Paspaley has retained the home's magical charm and has added addtional suites and services, to align with ones  expectations from a luxury boutique Hotel. Marilynne Paspaley has nurtured its evolution into an exclusive boutique hotel, catering to special guests from around the world.

As in the early days of last century, McAlpine House is once again home to travellers from the four corners of the globe, attracted by the allure of the pearl coast.