Perched on the side of a hill in the Huon Valley – overlooking orchards, lush rolling hills and mountains in the distance – I could feel the stress of everyday life melting away as I sipped the warm cup of tea that was cradled in my hands, my husband beside me, as we enjoyed a rare moment of stillness in our usually-busy life.

Our getaway was intended to be a child-free retreat, a rare break from our boys, aged 7 and 10.

But an unexpected bout of sickness, which meant Nanny could no longer babysit, resulted in the boys being lucky enough to come along for the ride, transforming our peaceful, adults-only getaway into a fun family adventure.

However, as we quickly discovered, one of the fantastic things about Orchards Nest – a private and relaxing bush retreat at Lucaston, an easy 30-minute drive from Hobart – is that it caters beautifully for all-manner of guests.

With two queen bedrooms – as well as a sofa bed and a daybed that can both sleep additional guests – the two-storey timber home is perfect for solo travellers, a couple wanting a romantic retreat, a small group getaway for friends, or – in our case – for a family of four to enjoy a much-needed dose of relaxation in nature.

The Instagram-worthy mineral hot tub – which is nestled into the timber deck and is set at a perfect 38C-39C – is an obvious drawcard, allowing guests to soak away their worries while being surrounded by the beauty of nature.

But the property has plenty more to offer guests – from the luxe linens and the thoughtfully-curated decor to the outdoor firepit and the self-guided nature walk – with owners Matt and Esther Griggs putting in careful thought to ensure guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Walking in to Orchards Nest, after winding my way up the steep gravel driveway, I was struck by how quiet it was. And I honestly didn’t know what to look at first, with so many beautiful features competing for my attention.

There was, of course, the spectacular hot tub on the deck, which I could see as I looked out through the large windows that allowed the sun to stream in while perfectly framing the view.

But there were also concrete floors and exposed timber beams, a sofa scattered with textured cushions and throws, the greenery of thriving house plants, a fun and eclectic mix of books and decor, the farmhouse kitchen with its long timber dining table, a sleek bathroom and a timber staircase willing me to explore the upper level.

I actually got to spend the first night at Orchards Nest alone, before my kids and husband joined me for the second night of our stay, and I felt it was a perfect location for both a solo retreat and a family getaway.

When I was alone, I enjoyed soaking in the hot tub and lazing on the downstairs day bed, piled high with cushions, which beckoned me to sit and read in the sunshine. And once darkness fell, it was a treat to flick on the many lamps (including a large paper orb that hangs from the ceiling above the reading nook) for some mood lighting. I also loved sitting at the little bench seat in the opposite window, eating breakfast and sipping my cup of tea while admiring the view.

Once the kids arrived there was less time for reading, but plenty of time to enjoy the fresh juice in the fridge and the fresh apples in the fruit bowl, both from nearby Lucaston Park Orchards (which is owned and operated by the Griggs family). The boys were delighted to spot a wedge-tailed eagle soaring above the property one afternoon, one of many birds we saw – and heard – during our stay.

With no TV – guests are encouraged to take a break from modern technology – there was also plenty of time to teach the boys the art of toasting marshmallows over the firepit. They also loved learning how to use the record player – choosing tunes throughout the decades from artists including Adele, George Michael, The Eagles and Simon and Garfunkel – with the crackle of vinyl perfectly suited to the whimsy of the home’s decor.

There were a few treats in the well-stocked pantry that kept the boys happy – including decadent hot chocolate and biscuits – and we also spent plenty of time soaking in the hot tub, with a view I would never tire of.

I adored the colours and textures of the luxurious linens – with hues of sage green and mustard popping against the white walls and timber detailing – and I slept beautifully in the pillowy bedding.

Even my seven-year-old said he “liked how soft the beds were”.

If you feel like a drive there’s a good assortment of eateries nearby including The Summer Kitchen Bakery and The Kiln, at Ranelagh, with other offerings in Huonville, Cygnet or Franklin if you feel like exploring further afield.

But I’d recommend taking your own food, as once you arrive at Orchards Nest you won’t want to leave, happy to sit and gaze at the view, which is exactly what drew the owners to the property in the first place.

Matt is a sixth-generation apple and cherry farmer, born and raised in the Huon Valley, and when it comes to houses, he’s a firm believer that it’s all about location.

Which is why he decided to purchase hilly bushland next to the family farm, to build a private and secluded escape, with stringybark and swamp gum timber from the property felled and milled locally to build the bones of the house.

A big part of Matt’s dream was the hot tub – he initially created a makeshift hot tub using a white plastic water tank before upgrading to today’s modern masterpiece, which he says is particularly spectacular to enjoy at night with the moon and stars twinkling overhead. Along the way, Matt met and married Esther and they say it was the “most amazing, peaceful and restful place” to begin their life together. After having three children they “moved on to other adventures” but say they have “loved preserving this magical chapter for others to step into and enjoy”.

Staying at Orchards Nest, it is clear that this is more than just accommodation – it is a house which is loved and cherished by its proud owners.

And, as the four of us enjoyed our impromptu early-morning picnic – complete with birdsong, a warming cup of tea and ever-changing cloud formations overhead – we were certainly grateful to share a small part of Matt and Esther’s “magical chapter”. Especially the indulgence of that oh-so-magical hot tub.

The author was a guest of Orchards Nest

MAKE A NOTE

Orchards Nest is a private and relaxing bush retreat at Lucaston, in the Huon Valley, an easy 30-minute drive from Hobart.

The two-bedroom, two-storey home is ideal for solo travellers, couples, small groups or families and is nestled in nature. The Instagram-worthy mineral hot tub, built into the deck, is set at a welcoming 38C-39C, allowing guests to soak their worries away while enjoying sweeping views across the valley.

Prices start from $540 per night.

For bookings and or more information go to orchardsnest.com