Harvey’s Farm is a luxury family-friendly home on a secluded part of the Bicheno coastline
A couple who escaped from Sydney have created a dream coastal retreat on a grand scale at Bicheno. Take a peek inside the breathtaking Harveys Farm.
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We barely had time to take in the gigantic house before we were crossing the lawns and scrambling down smooth granite boulders to the water.
It was one of those clear Tasmanian autumn afternoons where everything seems to sparkle.
In a little cove with deep pools, we jumped in for a swim.
Our toddler splashed in the rock pools and our six year old dived under the cold water like a fish.
So began our weekend at the stunning Harveys Farm, a dream coastal retreat at Bicheno.
Occupying a private waterfront property on the outskirts of the Bicheno township, the four bedroom, three bathroom home sleeps up to 12 and is made for big families, group getaways and events.
Owners Eliza and Rob Di Francesco fled Sydney for Bicheno following the Covid pandemic, having bought what is now known as Harveys Farm in 2018.
“We originally thought it was going to be our holiday house,” Rob says.
But the more time they spent in Tasmania, the less they wanted to return to Sydney.
The family have now made their home in Bicheno, and turned that original holiday home into a spectacular accommodation and events business.
The Di Francescos have done a total makeover of the original 1980s-era brick shack to create a stylish, coastal-chic retreat to rival any location in Australia.
“We went crazy and gave it a new lease on life,” Rob says.
Part of that renovation involved converting the former indoor pool into a cathedral-like living space.
The arched doorways of the old pool room open onto two patios, which connect to undulating lawns and a very special piece of Tasmanian coastline.
Harveys Farm offers a self-contained holiday on a grand scale.
The living area features plush couches and arm chairs, a wood fire, a TV and a massive dining table.
This room connects to a family kitchen with island bench, gas cooking and a butler’s pantry stocked with staples, treats and breakfast provisions.
There’s also a Heston Blumenthal barbecue out on the patio.
While Harveys Farm is a luxury stay, it has been put together with children in mind.
Features include outdoor games, “outside” towels and children’s dinnerware.
The home’s distinctive turret has been turned into a playroom and second living space, with couches, blankets, toys, games, books and a TV.
There's Wi-Fi access throughout the home.
A more recent addition has been a fire pit by the waterfront, with everything you need to light a fire and cook the marshmallows thoughtfully provided.
“We want families to come and enjoy it and create happy memories,” Rob says.
Harveys Farm is also gaining a reputation as a destination for weddings.
Rob and Eliza work with couples and vendors such as Wilderness Weddings and Dear Leone, to create truly special events.
“I knew people were going to want if for a wedding because it’s got that feeling, we didn’t realise it was going to be so popular,” Eliza said.
During a stay at Harveys Farm you won’t want to spend too much time away from the place.
But Bicheno is one of Tasmania’s most vibrant coastal towns and makes for a great day out.
Likened to Tasmania’s Byron Bay, Bicheno offers cafes, shops, beaches, walks and a playground.
We took the 20-minute drive to Douglas-Apsley National Park to visit the park’s famous blue waterhole, accessible by a short walk from the car park.
We made three trips to the fantastic beachside skate park, as well as to Waubs Beach where the children enjoyed the community beach toy library.
For lunch we visited the renowned Lobster Shack.
Looking over the crystal clear water on Waubs Esplanade, we enjoyed fresh oysters, East Coast sparkling wine and fish and chips.
The Farm Shed East Coast Wine Centre is a must visit to sample local wines and beers.
These are some of the features of Bicheno that make the town a favourite summer destination for Tasmanians and tourists from afar.
But the cooler and quieter months can be the best time to visit, with still conditions and clear skies.
As Eliza says, on the East Coast in winter, “every day sparkles”.
The author was a guest of Harveys Farm
MAKE A NOTE
Harveys Farm is located in Bicheno, with address details provided upon booking
The property sleeps up to 12 people. The accommodation features four bedrooms – a master bedroom with ensuite, a second large queen size bedroom, two double bedrooms, one with bunk beds and a second with a spare single bed.
There is a second bathroom in the sleeping wing of the house and a third near the living spaces at the other end of the house.
Children are welcome and the home features a dedicated children’s lounge and playroom with toys, books and games.
Cost is $1000 per night Sunday to Thursday, $1250 per night Friday and Saturday. This is a flat rate for up to 10 people, with $50 charged per night for an 11th or 12th person.
Harveys Farm is also available for weddings and other events.
For bookings and information visit harveysfarmbicheno.com.au
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