Our guide to the best B&Bs in Tasmania
CLYDESDALE MANOR
Bought on St Valentine’s Day 2003 and lovingly cared for since, Clydesdale Manor is quite obviously a pleasurable business for its owners. The grand National Trust home is decorated expensively and tastefully in a Georgian style, with a mix of classic antiques and contemporary touches, such as modern bathrooms. The welcoming guest drawing room invites long conversations in comfy sofas around an open fire; and a lovely enclosed verandah makes a lovely, light-filled breakfast and dining room.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
Clydesdale Manor won the gold medal for Hosted Accommodation at the 2010 Tasmanian Tourism Awards. And it’s not the first time. Their many accolades stretch back to 2004. They do things differently here – you won’t find traditional bacon and eggs but instead a changing menu that might include rhubarb, caramel custard and homemade muesli, or perhaps an asparagus tart with poached eggs.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
It’s perfectly placed to experience the best of Hobart: peruse Salamanca Markets; visit the Museum of Old and New Art; take a day trip to Port Arthur.
CONTACT: Lynn and Wayne.
292 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay.
(03) 6223 7289; www.clydesdalemanor.com.au
CURRINGA FARM
As the name suggests, Curringa Farm is part B&B, part farm stay. Three guest cottages take in expansive rural vistas over this 750-acre farm’s crops and sheep-grazing land, and broader views of the Derwent Valley.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
The most romantic of the three cottages is Seaglenest Studio, a timber hut set well away from other accommodation. There’s a queen-size bed, double spa and a private deck for a DIY barbecue or sunset drinks. The breakfast table has views through picture windows to the lake. While you’re here, be sure to try Janet’s Royal Danish sweetheart cake.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
Visit Mount Field National Park; drive the Rivers Run Touring Route; take a tour of this fascinating working farm.
CONTACT: Tim and Jane Parsons.
5831 Lyell Highway, Hamilton.
(03) 6286 3333; www.curringafarm.com.au
PEAR WALK COTTAGES
Just two little cottages peer out from between the branches in 30 acres of Victorian gardens at Pear Walk. Green thumbs and history buffs will enjoy the turn-of-the-century landscaping by Frank Walker, who trained at London’s Kew Gardens. Amble along the eponymous Pear Walk, a 170m-long garden featuring pear trees, redwoods and rhododendrons. Climbing roses, manicured lawns, Japanese maples and magnolias also abound in this fairytale place.
SOMETHING SPECIAL
It really is all about the garden: it’s just beautiful. The cottages, though built in the 1980s, fit with the scenery, with leadlight windows, love seats and down bedding.
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
Tour the Tamar Valley Wine Route; take a day trip to Cradle Mountain; grab a heritage trail map from Launceston tourist information centre and go for an amble around town; roam Cataract Gorge Reserve.
CONTACT: Rhonnie and Bob Pammenter.
85 Quills Rd, Lalla.
(03) 6395 4125.
