Originally constructed in the 1840s, this historic building began its journey as 'The Dog and Style,' a beloved hotel and gathering point. By 1851, it was a pivotal coach stop en route to the Araluen Gold Diggings, attracting travellers and fortune-seekers alike. In 1853, publican Peter Stewart secured its first license, providing refreshment and respite to the region’s police troopers and local patrons.

Through the decades, the building transformed to meet the needs of Braidwood, serving as a hostel, residence, and various commercial spaces. In the 1980s, it became known as 'Torpy’s Restaurant,' a tribute to the respected Torpy family, who had previously run the Criterion Hotel at the opposite end of Wallace Street.

Today, Trooper’s Rest retains many original features, including its grand doors, sturdy wooden floorboards, and the warmth of open wood fireplaces built from bricks crafted at the convict brickworks once situated across Monkittee Creek. Under new ownership in 2020, the building underwent a thoughtful restoration to return it to its former grandeur. Now, Trooper’s Rest stands not only as a beautifully revived establishment but as a cherished piece of Braidwood’s heritage, warmly welcomed back by the community.