Cosy East Coast cabin is perfect spot to make cherished memories
Secluded cabin ‘Sisters’ located at the stunning Spring Beach on the East Coast is more than just your average holiday ‘shack’, writes Molly Appleton
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Shacks hold a special place in the hearts of many Tasmanians. They’re the places we spend summers, go to for cheeky getaways and make lifelong memories. ‘Sisters’ is the holiday house your childhood shack would be jealous of.
The cliff-top cabin is situated at the gorgeous Spring Beach about a five-minute drive from Orford on the East Coast. It’s a location filled with teenage memories of wandering the beach tracks for any opportunity to find a different perspective of the stunning Maria Island. It doesn’t quite hold the same fondness for my travel companion, my mum, who probably confuses Orford with Oatlands. However, I think Sisters won her over.
The views driving into the coastal town create a buzz that didn’t wear off upon parking in the large driveway of the secluded property, feeling cut-off from the world. Entry was simple with the key lock box easy to navigate.
The property includes – a building made of dark timber complemented by modern sleek lines, situated in a large expanse of bush which is waiting to be explored – but it’s inside that tugs at the heartstrings.
Originally built in the 1970s by local war veteran Adrian Billings, the extensive renovations offer style and comfort which guarantee relaxation. It offers a place of respect for his heart-wrenching story. He was sent to recover in Tasmania riddled with shrapnel after four years as a prisoner of war in Singapore but was tragically killed by a drunk driver before he could finish the project. The Billings family completed the build after his passing. The small nods, including the original plans framed in the hallway, pay homage to the shack’s roots.
There were no fights over which of the two upstairs queen bedrooms to pick, as they are equally spacious and comfortable. The shutters made it easy to cut out the light to grab a sleep-in, while also flooding the space with sun when ready to tackle the day.
The kitchen was fully stocked with pantry staples, and a bottle of wine generously left on the bench by our hosts, however, there was one find perhaps even more exciting. A four-portion jaffle maker that remains a hot topic of conversation about how game-changing it was.
The shack is on tank water, so bringing in drinking water is advised, particularly for non-Tasmanians. Someone forgot to tell the shower it’s not on town water, with strong water pressure a real treat in the smartly designed bathroom that packed a punch despite its small size.
During our visit, the downstairs bathroom and room with bunk beds were out of action due to water damage. Work was already under way to rectify the issues and once they’re sorted it’s easy to see how comfortable it would be to bring younger family members along too. However, a word of caution with the proximity to cliffs nearby and the numerous indoor and outdoor fires: perhaps the space is better suited to older children and teens.
On our first evening we didn’t venture too far, instead taking full advantage of the pre-set open fire in the lounge room and sharing pizza after a quick trip to Scorchers in town. The snazzy living room anchors the home as the connection to the bottom-level kitchen, dining and passage to the outside retreat, and the upstairs bedrooms and bathroom.
A visit to this gorgeous part of the world wouldn’t be complete without a leisurely stroll around the cliffs and beach. That’s exactly how we spent our morning at Sisters after a restful sleep.
Merely a few steps outside the secluded house is the footpath to wander down to the main beach. On the way is a cliff, where while using caution it’s worth taking a moment to soak in the views of Maria Island. It’s often said, a picture is worth a thousand words, and this view perfectly illustrates that saying.
The walk down the cliff face to the rocks and sand isn’t a harsh one – despite its immediate appearance – with a clearly defined path and steps making the adventure an easy one for all ages. Greeted by a stunning seascape complete with dramatic choppy water and a large stretch of seemingly endless sand, it was a perfect way to spend the morning.
Once again we checked out what Orford had to offer and picked the Blue Waters Hotel for a hearty lunch.
An afternoon filled with trying all the different, well-stacked fireplaces ensued. Some attempts were made at firing up the hot tub, but ultimately we didn’t have the commitment to see it through. With short attention spans we went back to chats around the fire.
Outside, there was also a fire pit with a seating area close to completion. The space would be perfect for long warm nights with family and friends.
Finally, a visit to Sisters isn’t complete without a quick selfie using the supplied Polaroid. The old-school camera was the perfect way to mark the memorable stay.
The author was a guest of ‘Sisters’ at Spring Beach
MAKE A NOTE
‘Sisters’ at Spring Beach, is located near Orford on Tasmania’s East Coast.
Orford is about an hours’ drive from Hobart or a two-hour drive from Launceston.
The property can accommodate up to eight guests and includes three generous bedrooms, two bathrooms and an outdoor hot tub.
Prices start from $550 per night and there is a minimum two-night stay.
For more information or to book go to https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/861137413057699365
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