‘Colonial era gem’: An enchanting stay at Oatlands country retreat Raffah House

A small town once bypassed as a highway stop-off has emerged from its slumber to become a tourist hotspot, boasting everything from a distillery, golf club and a stylish country retreat.

O

atlands was a town we would whiz past on a drive up the Midland Highway heading north and occasionally stop at to grab a quick bite or a coffee.

However, these days the enchanting township about an hour’s drive from Hobart is fast becoming one of the state’s latest tourism hot spots and is well worth more than just a flying visit.

The town, one of the oldest settlements in Tasmania, features more intact convict-built sandstone buildings than any other in Australia and is worth a visit purely for its historic significance, but now it has so much more to offer.

Callington Mill Distillery at Oatlands is set to open in the coming weeks. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

With its soon-to-be-opened whisky distillery, some great new cafes, recently refurbished pub, The Kentish, antique and boutique homewares stores, golf club and quality accommodation, the town is now becoming a destination in itself and a great place for a day trip or to spend the weekend.

On our visit, my husband and I arrived on a Friday afternoon and were given a tour of the new Callington Mill Distillery, which is due to be opened in the next few weeks, by friendly and enthusiastic general manager Rizk Mawass.

The $14m turnkey distillery is impressive in itself but so, too, are the meticulously renovated buildings on the mill site, which include the historic Lincolnshire tower windmill, miller’s hut and stables.

The restored stables at the Callington Mill Distillery site at Oatlands, which is set to open to the public, in the coming weeks. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The mill, which dominates the Oatlands skyline, was built in 1837, by John Vincent to make flour, but was also used by the colonial entrepreneur as an illegal distillery on the side. This early bootlegging operation use of the site makes it quite a fitting spot to now distil and craft the top-shelf single-malt whisky that is being produced at the mill today.

Once it’s open, visitors will be able to take guided and unguided tours of the site, which will take in the state-of-the-art distillery, barrel room and historic buildings which are brought to life through audio and video installations. Distillery guests will also be able to dine at the restaurant, do whisky tastings and even make their own special blend that can be bottled on the spot.

Another of the restored historic sandstone buildings on the Callington Mill Distillery site at Oatlands which helps tell the history of the circa 1830 precinct. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

After marvelling at not only the immense investment but the care which developer John Ibrahim has taken to restore the site and be considerate of both the heritage values and needs of the other local business operators and residents of the town, we wander back down the road to our accommodation.

Raffah House, Oatlands, guesthouse owned by Sophie and Nick Weeding, is one of the township’s many well-preserved intact sandstone buildings.

Our home for the night is the stylish, country retreat Raffah House, which is conveniently located in the middle of the historic sandstone village’s High St.

We step into the home from the rear and are immediately impressed by the warm, inviting atmosphere of the property which has been lovingly restored with a quality renovation that honours its circa 1840s heritage.

On arriving, I feel as though I have just stepped into the pages of a shoot for Country Style magazine.

Raffah House’s dining room, featuring the original, thick, exposed sandstone walls and a painting by Hobart-artist Chris Bury titled the Southern Midlands.

I also notice a gorgeous smell on entering that I later track down to a Byredo candle in a scent called “Treehouse” that fills the home with a fresh, woody inviting fragrance that has been lit thoughtfully prior to our arrival.

The home feels like a welcoming, country farmhouse but with classy touches such as beautiful Tassie-sourced antiques, many of which were purchased from the Jardin Room antique store just across the street, and quality furnishings such as soft flax linens that feature in the bedrooms.

The original exposed sandstone walls, open fireplaces and floorboards are not only great windows to the past but also add to the home’s warmth and comfort with the thickness of the rustic walls making you feel snug and cosy.

Raffah House’s modern country style kitchen, is complemented by circa 1840s French doors from the Jardin Room across the street, which were originally sourced from a 19th century Indian courthouse.

The modern kitchen and bathroom fittings, gas-fire heater, and many skylights are also great additions making the 1800s built home, which was previously used as both an emporium and a maternity hospital, more comfortable and liveable.

Original local artworks also adorn the walls including a striking painting of the Southern Midlands, by Hobart artist Chris Bury, that the home’s owner Sophie Weeding commissioned specifically for the dining room space.

A range of fresh and dried flower arrangements at Raffah House add to the inviting atmosphere of the guest home.

The dried native flower and gum arrangements and complimentary Tassie G&T on arrival that guests are invited to garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary from the garden are also lovely touches.

Our stay is made even more enjoyable and easy with an in-house food delivery from The Kentish that included homemade pate, harissa hummus and zucchini crisps for a delicious pre-dinner snack, a tasty wholesome pot pie with roasted rainbow carrots and chickpeas and whipped feta for mains and a divine creme brulee for dessert.

Our breakfast is a choice of fresh eggs and toast and a pack of fresh original handmade sourdough Huon Me crumpets with fresh raspberry jam and lemon curd, again courtesy of Heartlands Larder.

Raffah House, Oatlands, alfresco entertaining area is perfect for dining outdoors when the weather is warm.

Raffah House is a three-bedroom home but could easily sleep two couples and a couple of children, there is plenty of room indoors and outdoors also includes a completely enclosed private courtyard ideal for alfresco entertaining.

The other beauty of staying at Raffah, and indeed anywhere in Oatlands, is that it’s lovely being able to step out your front door and have everything there for you within easy walking distance.

Raffah House’s seasonal vegie garden that guests are free to forage through and select any produce to add to their cooking.

Once you park your car you can ditch the keys and settle into the B&B and then when you feel like it go for a wander round and explore the town, have a drink at the pub, distillery or classy Imbibers wine bar, grab a bite to eat and then stroll back home, put your feet up for a bit and unwind in a private sanctuary.

Then when the mood strikes you can head out again.

This is the perfect place to spend a relaxing, enjoyable weekend away while immersing yourself in the history and heritage one of our best preserved colonial frontier towns.

 

The author was a guest of Raffah House

 

 

Raffah House, Oatlands.

MAKE A NOTE

Raffah House, 86 High St, Oatlands, is ideal for groups and families. ­Prices start at $400 per night for two, which includes basic cooking provisions and a complimentary Tassie G&T on arrival.

Getting there: Oatlands is a one-hour drive (84km) north of Hobart or one-and-a-half hours’ drive (116km) south of Launceston, a short detour off the Midland Highway.

While you’re there: Eat in one of the town’s many cafes or eateries, including The Kentish pub and bakery, Heartlands Larder, or Vintage on High. Fossick through the antique and boutique homewears stores and stroll through the township and explore the history of the Georgian township which includes 150 sandstone buildings, many of which were convict built in the 1800s.

Raffah House is one of Tassies’s true delights.