The Hosted Home Movement
Instalment 002 - By Alice Armitage
It’s impossible to talk about the hosted home industry in Australia without acknowledging Tasmanian and the cult- like culture that has emerged there.
While many short-term stay’s have been thriving over recent years, winter trading is often a struggle for these Tasmanian small business owners, and the pressure of the impending winter downturn seems ever increasing without the bolstered trade of Dark Mofo tourism this year.
But there is something particularly magical about Tasmania in the winter, I would know, I’ve lived through two of them myself. With initiatives such as the Festival of Voices continuing to champion for fantastic experiences throughout the off season, now is the perfect time to embrace the romance of a Tasmanian winter.
The rising popularity of hosted homes has certainly changed the way we use spaces as well as the way we experience and access regional Australia. In this series, we showcase a handful of beautiful and unique stays as well as the people behind them. Focusing on a particular area in regional Australia in each issue to inspire your next adventure. In this instalment we’re showcasing Tasmanian stays, so pack a bag and head south.
The Croft at Arden Retreat | Richmond
The meandering drive to The Croft is flanked by rows of grape vines from neighbouring vineyards, reminding visitors of their location amongst Tasmania’s cool-climate Coal River Valley wine region. A thirty minute drive from Hobart, just outside the village of Richmond, the two-bedroom timber cabin sits concealed among halcyon Tasmanian Blue and Peppermint Gum trees. Perched atop an elevation on the one hundred and forty acre Arden Retreat, the natural environment is echoed inside the cabin through the muted, neutral palette and natural light from panoramic windows. Time in nature is proven to reduce stress and boost wellbeing, so take full advantage of the wood fired outdoor hot tub and shower, gather around the outdoor fireplace and go for gentle walks in the bush. Owned and built by Tristan and Alice Burns, they designed the cabin to share what’s wonderful about the area they live in : tranquil bush alongside undulating farmland, wildlife, birds, wildflowers and exceptional local produce.
Tips from the locals : The cupboards at The Croft are generously stocked with Arden Retreat jam, chutney
and eggs, as well as local sourdough, wine, gin, cheese and chocolate. Take a drive around the region for extra provisions for relaxed meals on the deck, immersed in the beauty of the Tasmanian bush.
Bruny Boathouse | Alonnah
Part of the appeal of Bruny Boathouse is the journey to get there. From Kettering, thirty minutes’ drive south of Hobart, take the car ferry across to the island. Then, a thirty minute drive south – via the Bruny Island neck to the tiny town of Alonnah where, for your efforts, you’ll be rewarded with a classic two-bedroom beach shack with spectacular one hundred and eighty degree views out over the D’entrecasteaux Channel. It was this view from the cottage’s bi-fold doors out onto the boats bobbing at the nearby jetty and child-friendly Shell Beach that saw owners, Nick and Sophie Weeding, buy the property in 2019. They use Bruny Boathouse as their own holiday shack with their two young children, so it’s casual enough and well- kitted out for families too. The shack’s relaxed and stylish blue-hued interior is vaguely nautical-themed and the ideal spot to cosy-up and watch inclement weather roll-in. A recently-finished outdoor area complete with landscaped gardens, fire pit, shower and enchanting claw-foot bath is the perfect place for long warm afternoons.
Tips from the locals : Sophie’s ideal day on Bruny involves morning coffee at Bruny Island Social, grabbing a loaf of bread from The Bruny Baker road-side fridge en-route to a drive to Bruny Island Lighthouse, lunch at Bruny Island Premium Winery, then grabbing some buttery soft oysters from Get Shucked and cheese from Bruny Island Cheese Factory before heading back to the Boathouse before sundown.
Hunter Huon Valley | Glen Huon
Embracing the ‘art of doing nothing’ is the motto at Hunter Huon Valley - a trio of luxury, architect-designed cabins at Glen Huon, forty minutes’ drive south-west of Hobart. 36-acres of rugged Tasmanian bushland is the setting for the cabins and provides ample visual fodder to lose yourself in as you retreat inside your bespoke, self- contained accommodation. The modern open-plan cabins feature Tasmanian Oak cladding, bespoke built-in furniture, deep, stone-composite baths, wood-fires, Cultiver bed linens and a gourmet kitchen with stocked wine fridges. The cabins, which sleep two adults, have no televisions or wifi, further encouraging you to switch-off and embrace the feeling of escapism. Gaze up at the stars from bed through the skylights above or take in the view from the bath, or the private deck, with a glass of wine in hand. Owners, Ben and Kristy Hunt take extra care to ensure their guests have the best stay possible including stocking the fridge with fresh local produce, taking the complimentary cheese board out at the optimum time before guests arrive and building the fires just right for quick and easy lighting on a chilly afternoon.
Tips from the locals : The Huon Valley is best known for its apples and vineyards, and has plentiful offerings of farmer’s markets, wood fired bakeries, cellar doors and distilleries. Kristy’s tip is Summer Kitchen Woodfired Bakery in nearby Ranelagh for delicious coffee, pastries, pies and the best carrot cake you’ll ever eat!
Li’l Blue Shack | Sisters Beach
Owners of Li’l Blue Shack, Kristie and Duncan, used to smile every time they walked past the original 1970s fibro shack at Sisters Beach in the Rocky Cape National Park in North West Tasmania. Since the opportunity arose to buy it, they’ve turned it into holiday accommodation and hope it continues to have the same effect on its visitors. The couple were conscious that too many shacks are disappearing and wanted to preserve their little piece of Australian history, so the shack has had minimal alterations. Inside it’s filled with lots of retro memorabilia and, as its name suggests, the shack’s cool, pale blue exterior is a nod to its era and adds further nostalgia. The two-bedroom home, located a very short walk from the beach, sleeps four guests and is perfect for couples or small families. The backyard deck and barbecue area, with outdoor shower, is a sheltered, family-friendly gathering space. Just over an hour’s drive from the Spirit of Tasmania terminal in Devonport, the small town of Sisters Beach is uniquely surrounded on three sides by the magnificent Rocky Cape National Park and by Bass Strait to the North. There’s nothing pretentious, modern or minimalist at ‘Lil Blue Shack and apart from instantly making you smile, you’ll also feel right at home.
Tips from the locals : Kristie recommends enjoying a meal at the Little Sisters General Store where they often have live music.
Naivasha Escapes | Deloraine
Just outside the small National Trust town of Deloraine in Tasmania’s central north, are two unique holiday stays on the one beautiful property. Naivasha Escapes includes a 100-year-old, three-bedroom stone and timber cottage which comfortably sleeps six, and a bespoke tiny house, which sleeps two adults. Tucked into the beautiful Tasmanian bush, The Cottage sits right on a lake, with spectacular water views from the lounge room. It has been lovingly restored retaining many original features, including a 120-year-old cast iron claw-foot bath which has been re- homed in an open-air bathhouse in the garden - perfect for stargazing. The property’s artisan-crafted, cedar tiny house doesn’t look or feel like cookie-cutter accommodation.
The perfect romantic getaway, it has been fitted out with antique and reclaimed furnishings that add character and comfort. It even manages to fit in a tiny wood-fire and a claw-foot bath! Set in a clearing in the bush it has amazing views of the landscape - including from the wood-fired hot tub. Located around thirty minutes’ drive from Launceston, Naivasha is the ideal base to explore the attractions in the local area, including Cradle Mountain, Mole Creek Caves and Trowunna Wildlife Park.
Tips from the locals : Deloraine is the short walk capital of Tasmania. The owner’s favourites are the short walks to Liffey Falls, West Moreland Falls and Alum Cliffs.
The Bus Hideaway | Hillwood
An articulated Volvo bus – otherwise known as a bendy bus – that, in a previous life, was a public bus in Hobart, has been lovingly converted into fun and quirky holiday accommodation. Owners Nick and Emma Hill, and their young children, spent two years living in the bus before outgrowing the space and deciding to offer it up for holiday stays. They love sharing the unique home they created as a beautiful space for people to retreat to. The bus, which sleeps four guests and is ideal for couples or small families, is located at Hillwood, a small town in the Tamar Valley Wine region around twenty five minutes’ drive from Launceston. The couple used as many second- hand materials and vintage and second-hand store finds as possible to create their calm and comfortable space. There’s no television in the bus, however there are lots of books, a guitar, a dedicated creative space and a desk nook. Nestled against a charming old shearing shed, the bus’s original windows let in panoramic light and allow spectacular views over the trees and down to the Tamar River. The firepit offers up an inviting space to sit and star- gaze at the clear night skies.
Tips from the locals : Hillwood Strawberry Farm is just two minutes’ drive from the bus and why not sample some of Emma’s favourite local wineries - Swinging Gate Vineyard, Small Wonder Wines and Loira Vines - during your stay.
The Dune Shack | White Beach
Shacks are part of the folklore of summers in Tasmania, and the owners of this quintessential 1970s, fibro beach shack, Tim and Alice, are no exception. The couple grew-up going to shacks around the state – including at White Beach – and The Dune Shack is the realisation of their dream to recreate the nostalgia of carefree summer shack holidays. As its name suggests the Dune Shack, sits just behind the sand dunes at White Beach, on the Tasman Peninsula – the rugged offshoot of land dangling east of Hobart. The shack has private access to the gloriously long stretch of coastline and its crystal-clear water. Around ninety minutes’ drive from Hobart, the shack sleeps four people in two spacious bedrooms, and has fun, colourful and unpretentious interiors where sandy floors are almost guaranteed on check-out day. The open-plan main living area opens out onto a large deck, with outdoor shower and a huge grassed yard with a hammock that’s perfect for bird watching.
Tips from the locals : Some of Tim and Alice’s favourite activities while at the shack include drinking wine in the hammock, walking to one of the jetties at either end of the beach for eagle ray spotting, surfing at Roaring Beach, the walk to Shipstern Bluff and visiting McHenry Distillery to sample local spirits.
Wahroonga on Bourke | Launceston
If you can tear yourself away from the breathtaking, panoramic views over the charming city of Launceston from the cathedral windows of Wahroonga on Bourke, you’ll be equally as delighted by its sophisticated interior design. High ceilings, ornate details, high-end furnishings and a rich colour palette are all executed with incredible attention to detail at this luxury, self-contained apartment. Taking up the lower floor of an enchanting Federation-era home, the apartment (which has its own private entrance) sleeps two guests and has a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom. Blurring the lines between a boutique hotel and a luxury homestay, Wahroonga on Bourke is an easy ten minute stroll to Launceston’s CBD - the perfect location to make the most of your city stay. The joint passions of the apartment’s owners - travel, art, antiques and gourmet food - is evident in the little touches in the apartment, including local art works, boutique tea and coffee and a locally-distilled welcome gin.
Tips from the locals : The ideal Launceston day for owners Leeroy and Anthony involves sourcing local produce at the Launceston Market, pastries from Bread and Butter, indulging in wine tastings at Bellebonne and Evenfall, exploring nearby Cataract Gorge, hunting for treasures at Red Fox Antiques, and finishing with dinner at Stello.
Wild Rest | Golden Valley
The owner of Wild Rest tiny house was so captivated by the ten acre property it’s located on, she bought it sight unseen - despite also never having been to Tasmania. Located fifteen minutes’ drive from the small town of Deloraine in the state’s north, Wild Rest is a tiny house with its own dedicated and enchanting creator’s cabin and wood-fired sauna. Wild Rest was designed by owner Mireille to be a regenerative ‘slow stay’ and is totally off grid and immersed in nature. Wild Rest seamlessly blends rustic aesthetics like corrugated iron and plywood, with luxury like Carlotta + Gee linens and nourishing bath scrubs to create a private sanctuary allowing guests to really unwind and restore. Outside there’s a huge deck, ideal for yoga or enjoying a leisurely breakfast, as well as an outdoor bath that you can enjoy warm or as a cold plunge after a sauna. Guests can enjoy stargazing by the firepit with endless birds and wildlife for company. Mireille hopes to offer artist residencies and host workshops and other learning experiences at this special place in the future.
Tips from the locals : Wild Rest is a great base for day trips to the beautiful beaches of the north west, historic Evandale or Launceston. Mireille recommends sampling local produce at Frank & Lotti Espresso Bar in Deloraine and Love Lucy Boots Wine Bar in Westbury.
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