The Keep, luxury Tasmanian retreat, purchased by The Stagg owners Jono and Sue Stagg
“A once in a lifetime opportunity, we didn’t want to look back and wonder”: A Tasmanian hospitality duo have picked up one of the state’s most unique properties. Here’s what they have planned.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The husband-and-wife duo behind a pair of popular Hobart CBD cafes have announced their purchase of one of Tasmania’s most luxurious couple’s retreats, known especially for its possession of a granite bathtub with one of the state’s best views.
Taroona pair Sue and Jono Stagg, who own The Stagg – City (formerly Atlas Espresso) and sister venue The Stagg – Midtown, purchased The Keep, a two-storey, luxury couple’s retreat perched on a rocky, 650m-high outcrop at Goulds Country, in the state’s North-East, for about $3m last year.
Their purchase settled in November.
Ms Stagg, who met husband Jono in university before the pair did a stint in London, where they worked in IT in the investment banking sector, said the duo “weren’t really in the market” for property, but answered the listing on a whim.
“We drove up the big, long, windy, bumpy driveway, came up to the top and it blew us away,” Ms Stagg said.
“I started to cry. Jono was speechless – that never happens.
“The view is amazing. The pictures don’t do it justice.
“We thought, ‘Oh my goodness, this is something really incredible,’ and made up our minds on the spot.
“There was a long process of negotiations and offers.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We didn’t want to look back and wonder.”
Ms Stagg said she and her husband “have a lot of plans for enhancement, but don’t want to change The Keep dramatically”.
“We want to put our own touch on it – make it a bit more luxurious, more all-inclusive,” he said.
“Basic provisions were previously provided, but wanted to make it a lot more inclusive, by stocking local food, wine, champagne – everything you could possibly for luxury couple’s weekend away.”
Other renovations planned include a new coat of paint and a possible sealing of the driveway, while the Staggs plan on introducing custom-made furniture, handcrafted ceramics, and locally woven rugs.
“It’s very Tasmanian, very focused, warm and luxurious,” Ms Stagg said.
All up, the Staggs, who are also known for their previous ownership of Liverpool St favourite Kafe Kara, plan on spending between $100,000–$200,000 on renovations and the refit, although that figure will more than double if they do, in fact, have the driveway sealed.
They plan on having all changes finalised by the end of the year.
More Coverage
Originally published as The Keep, luxury Tasmanian retreat, purchased by The Stagg owners Jono and Sue Stagg
Man used car as weapon to hit partner’s ex-husband
A Hobart judge said a Tasmanian man who had ‘ill-feelings’ towards his partner’s ex-husband used his car as a weapon. His sentence.
Man accused of killing fur seal enters plea
A man has again appeared in Hobart Magistrates Court on numerous charges, including the alleged capture and death of a fur seal. What will happen next.