Every detail has been considered at this luxe Tassie getaway
The place
Leighton House, Evandale, Tasmania
Check-in
Renting a holiday house can be something of a lottery – what dated decor or malfunctioning appliances have been (studiously or unknowingly) omitted from its online profile?
Leighton House has the feel of an English country house hotel.
Arrive at Leighton House, however, and any hesitation dissipates immediately. The Georgian property sits on 121 hectares of farmland and the South Esk River; a long, white-gravel driveway leads to its entrance, via a stunning new wing. The original homestead, built in 1840, has undergone a sensitive restoration and now provides three large and luxurious bedrooms, all with ensuites, while a glass atrium leads to a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge area. Upstairs, a pool room and three double bunks cater perfectly to teens.
The look
Hobart architects Core Collective undertook the new build, incorporating locally sourced carbon-neutral bricks and steel-framed windows, while Kirsten Bookallil from Stanwix Studios consulted on the interiors. The result is a seamless integration of Georgian elegance and contemporary design, with wraparound views of the surrounding fields with their grazing horses, Angus cows and silver-spangled Hamburg chickens. Outside there’s a sheltered courtyard with pizza oven and barbecue, several seating areas and a wellness area with sandstone yoga platform, Heavenly barrel sauna, Stoked cedar spa pool and fire pit.
Georgian elegance and contemporary design marry seamlessly. Credit: Adam Gibson
The room
Room with a view.
My spacious bedroom has the feel of an English country house hotel; the colours throughout are soothing blues and greens inspired by the local landscape. There’s a queen bed with smooth Wallace Cotton sheets (by far my preference over saggy linen); and two comfortable armchairs in front of the bay window. A solitary antique wardrobe doesn’t allow for a large amount of clothing to be hung, but rural Tasmania means jeans and jumpers are the go anyway. A huge ensuite with light sage tiles and a clawfoot bath is beautifully appointed and includes floral-scented Ashley & Co toiletries. Cotton waffle robes and slippers are provided (you’ll need them for the spa/sauna).
Food + drink
A perfect gathering place for friends or family.
If you (or better, your travelling companions) are keen cooks, this is the place. A well-equipped kitchen features an Electrolux oven and cooktop, French-door fridge and butler’s pantry as well as a Breville Oracle coffee machine – so much better than pod coffee. A welcome basket includes Ritual coffee beans, free-range eggs, preserved lemons, candied walnuts, sourdough bread, jam and butter, and you can pick up other supplies at Evandale General Store, Hill Street Grocer in Longford or Alps & Amici in East Launceston. Local caterers Hubert & Dan have a menu of antipasto platters, barbecued meat and salads for delivery or pick-up if you want to outsource meal prep. Nearby gastropub The Clarendon Arms has cosy interiors, a shady beer garden and great food.
Out + about
Launceston, with its heritage architecture and parks, Cataract Gorge and open-air swimming pool, is 20 minutes’ drive away. Try the excellent Bread & Butter for brunch or Havilah Wine Bar for dinner. The nearby Tamar Valley has spectacular wineries including Stoney Rise, Clover Hill and Josef Chromy; Experiential Tasmania offers immersive tours if you don’t want to drive – one includes a private tasting with Swiss-born Matthias Utzinger at his eponymous winery. Meanwhile the views from Ben Lomond National Park (Torbunna) are worth the sweaty-palmed drive up Jacobs Ladder and you can pick up coffee and homemade pies (as well as hire ski equipment in winter) at the new Base cafe and shop en route.
Relax in the hot tub or sauna.Credit: Adam Gibson
THE VERDICT
Every detail has been carefully considered at this luxe getaway that’s really great value if there are six or more of you.
ESSENTIALS
From $800 a night for up to three couples. An additional $80 a person a night, sleeping up to a total of 12 (six people in the double-bed bunks). See leightonhouse.com.au
OUR RATING OUT OF FIVE
★★★★½
The writer stayed as a guest of Leighton House.
HIGHLIGHT
Sitting in the hot tub under the stars after a day touring the Tamar Valley’s vineyards.
LOWLIGHT
Close proximity to Launceston airport, while convenient, means there is occasional aircraft noise.
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