About Us
History
Fairmount
The original guesthouse, "Fairmount", was built circa 1913. It remained in the same family for generations. There are some photos of the original house, the family and advertisements from the 1920s Katoomba Tourism Gazette framed in the living room today.
Advertisements from local papers in the late 1940s-50s, show that the house was used as residential flats.
No14 Backpackers
From 1987, No14 was restored and extended and became No14 Backpackers Hostel (or Number Fourteen) in the 90s. Run by Mandy & Kym, the wonderful murals you see around the house are by another member of the family.
No.14 Lovel St
In October 2017, the next chapter for 14 Lovel Street began with Annette & Gavin becoming the proud new owners. We were very lucky to have Mandy and Kym stay on 'show us the ropes'. We are super excited to be the next caretakers of this historic guesthouse.
Our Pillars
1. Community
Our Community includes our guests, our local community (in particular traditional custodians), and our wider community. We believe in a 'think global, act local' mentality. We believe in giving back. We have charity fundraising, on a honesty basis with our guests, as well as donating a percentage of our income to our chosen charities.
2. Reconciliation
No.14 Lovel St is on Gundungurra land. We acknowledge the Dharug, Gundungurra, Wanaruah, Tharawal, Darkinjung and Wiradjuri people are the traditional custodians of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Always Was, Always Will Be Aboriginal land.
We support the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a constitutionally enshrined First Nations Voice. We strongly supported teh 2023 Referendum for a YES vote, and were deeply disappointed by the NO result. However, that is not the end.
We believe that it is essential for Australia to prioritise reconciliation with our First Nations people.
3. Sustainability
Environmental sustainability as individuals and as a business. We believe in doing the best we can for our guests, our community and our planet.
We have invested in improvements at No.14: LED lighting, supporting reduce/reuse/recycle with our interior fit out as much as possible, composting, recycling, and choosing products made from recycled materials wherever possible, 16.8kW solar electricity system. solar hot water system, and 17K litres of rainwater tanks, filtered to drinking standard, supplying everything in the house; backed up by Sydney Water when there is not enough rain. Living and working within the World Heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park, treading lightly on our local environment is essential.
No.14 Lovel St is certified through Ecotourism Australia’s world leading ecotourism certification program. This means that when you stay with us, you are supporting a business that is backed by a strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high-quality nature based tourism experiences. Our certification demonstrates our commitment to:
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Looking after our natural environment
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Offering quality interpretation and educating guests
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Supporting and engaging our local community
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Reducing our carbon footprint o Protecting our unique wildlife and endangered species
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Making real contributions to conservation
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Helping to preserve Australian Indigenous cultures
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Providing an unforgettable, high-quality guest experience The Ecotourism Australia Certification programs are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
4. Wellness
Wellness incorporates physical and mental wellbeing. Many of our guests come to the beautiful Blue Mountains region to get out and enjoy the great outdoors physically. Being in nature has proven benefits for mental wellbeing as well. Rest and recharging are equally important. That's where No.14 comes in. :)
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Charity Support
Charities we support reflect our core pillars and include local Beyond Blue, Rural Fire Service (RFS), Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, The Uluru Statement, Rural Aid (Buy A Bale), Cancer Council and Food Solutions.
Food Solutions is a local charity feeding those who are less fortunate in our local community.
