City slickers tell of their great escape

A Tasmanian bed and breakfast is set to take centre stage on a new television program to be aired this week.

Marie Bean and partner David Hearle in front of Hawthorn Lodge, which will feature in ABC TV series Escape From The City. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

A TASMANIAN bed and breakfast is set to take centre stage on a new television program to be aired this week.

Hawthorn Lodge, an 1869 guesthouse at Bushy Park in Tasmania’s Derwent Valley, will feature on Australian TV screens as part of new ABC series Escape From The City.

Based on Britain’s Escape To The Country, the series sees prospective property buyers tour a number of heritage-style rural properties across Australia while giving viewers a look into the wonderful world outside of the city.

One episode shows Hawthorn Lodge owners David Hearle and Marie Bean open their doors to audiences and give an insight into their move from an urban lifestyle in Brisbane to the quiet surrounds of country Tasmania.

“We were contacted quite out of the blue to feature in this series and were more than happy to get involved,” Mr Hearle said.

“I think the show will be good for Tasmania as it really pushes the migration aspect to rural areas.”

Marie Bean and partner David Hearle. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mrs Bean said it was nice to give city residents a taste of what country living was like.

“The episode was shot over about four hours at the lodge and the touring guests got a look at how we live out here,” she said.

“One thing we did was make jam on our old wood-burning stove. I think the show will show Tasmania’s country charm.”

Also operating as a tea room, Hawthorn Lodge was first established as Tasmania’s original hop farm by the Shoobridge family.

Mr Hearle said he expected Escape From The City to attract interested urban-living residents to desire a sea-change.

“I think viewers will take away from the show that you can escape from the city and settle in country Tasmania and still make a good living,” he said.

“We have been here for the past three years having moved from a corporate lifestyle interstate, and now we really enjoy growing our own produce and running a successful tea room.”

Escape From The City premieres this Thursday.