Located in Alice Springs, Central Australia
Background History
The story behind Vatu Sanctuary
About the current owner
Before creating Vatu Sanctuary, Roslyn Premont founded Gallery Gondwana in Alice Springs in 1990, a gallery that has since earned international recognition as a leader in Australian Indigenous art. Her passion for the arts naturally extended into the design and atmosphere of Vatu Sanctuary, much to the delight of both local and international guests.The sanctuary is further enhanced by the vibrant murals of renowned artist Rusiate Lali, which beautifully adorn the exterior walls and roller doors, adding a lush, artistic touch to the space.
With the shift to operating more online, Roslyn has been able to devote more time to curating exhibitions, exploring Gallery Gondwana's extensive archives, and writing heartfelt tributes to the many incredible artists she has had the privilege of working with over the years.
Though her focus has evolved, Roslyn still operates Gallery Gondwana from its Showroom/Office, located just a couple of streets away from Vatu Sanctuary and welcomes visitors by appointment.
History of the property
Roslyn Premont first encountered the property while purchasing Emily Kngwarreye paintings from art dealer Rodney Gooch. At the time, the property was owned by a company of three friends who each lived in one of the apartments in the property. It was a creative hub, sparking innovative ideas like CAAMA Radio and later CAAMA Television. Captivated by the property's energy and artistic spirit, Roslyn purchased it in 1993. Now known as Vatu Sanctuary, the property holds cherished memories for many Alice Springs locals and members of the broader art community.
Until 2006, Vatu served as Roslyn’s family home, offering an ideal space for hosting guests from around the world—whether they were gallery visitors, friends, or family. During this time, she occasionally rented out two of the units, and often artists who had become close friends, such as Dorothy Napangardi and Linda Jackson, would reside there.
With her growing responsibilities, including managing her Sydney gallery on Danks Street and participating in various art fairs, Roslyn found she no longer needed the large residence full-time. However, she wanted the flexibility to return whenever she pleased. When she was in Alice Springs, she often stayed in the spacious Studio, which had an open-plan design and a large purpose-built storeroom.
Eventually, Roslyn transitioned the property into short- to medium-stay accommodations, which proved to be the perfect solution. Not only did it provide her with a well-maintained home to return to, managed with care by a dedicated team, but it also became a self-sustaining venture.
Vatu Sanctuary now operates exclusively as a short-medium term stay accommodation with its 4 apartments attracting visitors from all over the world but primarily enjoyed by people coming to work in Alice Springs from interstate for extended periods who enjoy the comfort and convenience of home.
In
The creation of Vatu Sanctuary in 2006
The concept behind Vatu Sanctuary was born in 2006 with the idea of creating a "live-in gallery," allowing guests to spend time with the artwork they were considering purchasing. Guests could select paintings in advance, and the chosen pieces would be hung in their apartment, creating a personalised art experience. This innovative approach proved to be a great success.
Over the years, Vatu Sanctuary has hosted a wide range of events. The entire property has been booked for film crews (including the production of Samson and Delilah), weddings, television shows, and various events—even the US Bachelor filmed on-site.
Despite its versatility, the foundation of the business since 2006 has been its loyal corporate clients, who frequently book stays for a month at a time, sometimes up to nine months a year, reserving one, two, or even three of the four apartments. This stable base of repeat clients has been key to Vatu Sanctuary's ongoing success.
