TasWeekend: Villa Talia is a slice of heaven in the Huon
From the sumptuous outdoor bath, to the peaceful views of the Huon River to the warm, well-appointed luxe interior, this rambling country house, is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway but it’s history has a surprising secret.
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It’s the deepest I’ve been into the Huon Valley with only stops at Willie Smith’s Apple Shed and the Taste of the Huon under my belt – and that was truly just a taste of what’s on offer down here.
Winding the banks of the mighty Huon River before reaching our destination, you get a real sense of the scale and peacefulness of the environment around you and atop a hill at Wattle Grove, Villa Talia sits on a clearing like a prize on the mantle.
This is home for the next two nights.
The villa instantly feels warm and inviting but you know from arriving at the front door this is no ordinary farmhouse.
The smart Samsung door lock is a far cry from the old key under the doormat and when we were in, we were greeted with a sweet aroma emitting from locally sourced Tasmanian fragrance diffusers, the place lit up and uplifting jazz music. It’s like walking into someone else’s home but we were the only ones there.
Villa Talia has been fully operational since late 2019 with just over 1800 guests having experienced its delight and relaxation.
It was a journey that started in 2010 for owners and managers George and Vivian Luo who set out to find the perfect location to develop their vision for “an extraordinary accommodation experience in a unique Tasmanian setting”.
“Since day one we have been incredibly busy catering for the demand of the villa,” George says. “Our optimistic number of three to four nights per week quickly turned into six to seven. “Our busiest month reflected full occupancy through our booking calendar.”
The villa, located in the Huon Valley, just 600m from the banks of the Huon River, is available exclusively to guests, and is listed as one of Australian Traveller Magazine’s 100 Great Australian Holiday Homes.
The house is gracious and simple in design, blending with its surroundings.
From the wraparound veranda there are views to the south of the Hartz Mountains and the south-west wilderness, with the Sleeping Beauty mountain range visible to the north.
Its proportions and most of its details hark back to the Victorian era so you would think the home would have more than 200 years of history and stories to tell, or even make the perfect location for the revival of TV show McLeod’s Daughters. But surprisingly, property records show the home was actually built in 2007 as a made-to-measure replica of an 1800s house at a winery in Victoria.
Inside, the villa is tastefully decorated in a contemporary international style, with French and Italian furnishings.
French doors in every room open to the veranda, and there are several open fires.
Another highlight is the floorboards, which George tells me were all made from a former Sydney wharf.
He says the first owner bought the timbers, shipped them to Tassie and had them milled.
“It is easy to see how admiring guests were fooled into thinking the villa is very old,” George says. “We simply wanted a classic, relaxed feel appropriate to any rambling country house. “We absolutely love the fact that it fits in with the environment, to look as if it had always been there – a place that was in keeping with the other farmhouses in the area.”
We brought friends with us the first night because for a two-bedroom home the villa is so generous it just seemed rude not to share.
It’s really a place you could enjoy a romantic getaway, share as a couple’s retreat, or show off Tasmania to your favourite friends and family.
The outdoor, freestanding, stone bath, hand carved from a single piece of volcanic rock, is beyond. Ideally positioned on the deck, the bath is perfect for a sunrise, day time, sunset or night-time plunge. There was just never a bad time to jump in. Even with the famous Huon autumn winds blowing she fills up hot, has plenty of room for two and panoramic views.
My friend actually described it as “panty dropper” and it feels that private, you just could.
Various wineries and cheeseries dot the region around Villa Talia, and the cafes and galleries of Cygnet are just 10 minutes away.
And just like a good cheese and wine pairing, George has recently partnered with Cygnet locals Kate Sullivan and Ben Wood who own the popular Red Velvet Lounge to take stays to the next level with a private chef experience available as an extra.
We were the first to experience Red Velvet’s at-home menu at the villa.
For someone known for having the palate of a lazy teenager or even fussy toddler, the idea of a three-course signature menu had my tastebuds tingling. Kate and chef Gordon Leary prepared four plates across each course with two entrees, four mains, and two desserts with gluten-free options.
You can grab a plate each or do what we did and share a taste of it all.
It was delicious and took this food novice out of her comfort zone and if there are any leftovers, they’ll pop them in the fridge so you can enjoy the tastes again over your stay.
When you’re not being served by professionals, there is a fully equipped state-of-the-art kitchen, with fridge, freezer and pantry full of Tasmanian produce and pre-prepared food.
I’d say all you need to pack is your clothes and your toothbrush but even a wooden one of those is provided with accompanying natural toothpaste, natural soaps and a razor.
You’ll find an Aesop toiletry range along with Dyson hair care products, while in your living area you’ll find cashmere blankets and fluffy robes just perfect for snuggling on the couch.
George says the past two years running the place had been the most amazing journey of he and Vivian’s life.
“So far everyone who has stayed Villa Talia has come away more than satisfied, which gives us the confidence of continuing our tourism adventure,” he says.
Theauthor was a guest of Villa Talia
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