Tasmania's luxury mancation

WHISKEY tasting, golf and a hotel beyond luxurious - escape with the lads in style at this Tassie Tudor mansion.

The post-renovation Priory Country Lodge in Tasmania. Picture: Supplied

"WE won't be fishing today, because it's too cold and you won't like it," I'm told by Greg Peacock, owner of the Priory Country Lodge, as I step off the freezing pavement outside Hobart Airport and into his Audi.

"But you will be going on a whisky tasting and playing some golf after lunch. Which the blokes tend to like doing this time of year, anyway."

As editor of a men's lifestyle website, Australian men enjoying mancations full of whisky and golf, isn't an amazing revelation. Yet driving up to the Tudor Mansion built in 1847 on a hill in Bothwell, I realise the venues in which they enjoy these things are.

"It underwent a massive renovation in 2009," Greg explains.

As I walk through the stained-glass front door of The Priory - to my left is a room with a large blue Persian rug, bookcase and antique cigar holder. To my right is another room boasting crackling fire and ample sofas. Every inch of the four bedroom house is warm, sophisticated and charming.

"Normally we have groups of guys come here and they will book it out - so they can really enjoy the surrounds, be up for breakfast, head off fishing, or I organise a package and they play some golf, do a whisky tour and then head back for evening wines by the fire."

In the black-and-white-tiled kitchen, a toasted ham and cheese sandwich with homemade zucchini relish served on thick crusted bread, is slid across a big wooden table on a yellow china plate. Above our heads, copper pots hang from a wooden ladder in anticipation of chef Greg who serves breakfast, dinner and canapes each night (included in the cost).

"This is the best toasted sandwich I've had..." I say.

"Don't be ridiculous," he responds with a laugh.

As a host, Peacock is down-to-earth, self-deprecating and stylish - the type of bloke guys would want to have a beer with. Even though the wine cellar with local vintages is too good to pass up.

Upstairs, my room is fitted with a gorgeous bed with good linen. But god is in the details - heated floor tiles and full shower heads. I take a shower while looking out a stained-blue square in the window onto the paddock below, where Priory dog Hugo bounds like a kangaroo on speed at a couple of men arriving home for lunch.

When I return to the main room, a woman is sitting in front of the fire, reading the paper.

"I'm off to play golf," says her Husband. She nods enthusiastically in response. She has bigger fish to fry, such as eating one of the home-made muffins with a glass of the local pinot. I'm envious. I want to push her off the couch and steal her muffin. But I'm off to play golf with the guys. It wouldn't be professional.

What it lacks in challenge, Ratho makes up for history - it's the oldest golf course in Australia and owner Greg Ramsey, is so passionate about it that I find myself having a ball. After a few hits (you can play 9 or 18) it's time to get into the spirit of things at Nant Distillery.

"The Nant Distillery produces single malt whisky made from 100 per cent Tasmanian barley and highland water." offers manager John Rushort. They host tours, whisky dinners and tastings.

During mine, I learn where the saying, "damsel in distress" comes from. The damsel, a part in the whisky making machinery should be chattering... "If it's not... the damsel is in distress," he says. Yet a real-life damsel would have issues finding fault with this venue's immaculate art, big glass windows with wooden floors overlooking the paddock with the winter sun hitting the clouds. Oh and their single malt is good too.

The following day, I'm dropped into the Islington, the Priory's sister Hotel in Hobart. It's just five minutes from the city centre. This hotel is beyond luxurious. It has an original Picasso.

As I fall onto my handcrafted bed overlooking the mountain, I understand the meaning of the saying "The incredible lightness of being... (a modern man)". Later I sit in front of the fire, in The hotel's conservatory pavilion which extends onto a marble paved terrace and Andrew Pfeiffer-designed acre of garden with spectacular views of Mount Wellington.

After a weekend sampling what Tasmania has to offer guys, all I can say is: "If this is a man's world... then honey, I'm home!"

 Getting there
Jetstar flies to Hobart daily

 Accommodation
4 Nights Town and Country Package for two: Two nights at The Priory Country Lodge & The Islington Hotel Hobart are available.
More: http://www.thepriorycountrylodge.com.au/

 Top Tips: Tasmania Destination Guide