History meets luxury on the banks of the Carlton River in the lovingly restored Post House
Just 40 minutes from Hobart lies a cottage that was left abandoned for years. But thanks to a sensitive restoration, the 1841 Post House now offers guests something extraordinary.
Perched on the banks of the Carlton River, the Post House offers guests an appealing blend of new world comforts and ramshackle charm.
Stepping over the threshold, I’m immediately struck by the lived-in authenticity of the place.
The colonial-era cottage, built in 1841, originally served as the post office for the Carlton district but eventually fell into disrepair and was ultimately abandoned.
When Dr Hannah Chapman and Stuart Cooper bought the place, it was essentially in ruins. But the pair have well and truly brought the Post House back to life, having overseen a sensitive restoration of the property with the assistance of a Built Heritage Grant awarded by the Tasmanian government.
Hannah describes the Post House as “no ordinary cottage”.
“The Post House restoration celebrates what makes this place so special. We’ve chosen to conserve – and boldly reveal – the original colonial features that tell her story,” she said.
“Guests will catch glimpses of the past woven through every room, all while immersed in the comforts of contemporary life.”
As I sink into the brass bath looking out over the river, I realise that Hannah isn’t exaggerating.
While the Post House boasts mod-cons such as a ducted heating and cooling system, a well-appointed kitchen and bathroom, and a film projector, many of the original elements of the 183-year-old cottage have been thoughtfully highlighted.
The distinctive split slab construction method is evident throughout, as well as hand-cut shingles and low-rising, crooked doorways.
Perhaps most arresting are the charcoal drawings etched onto the crumbling lath and plaster walls, attributed to the last postmaster to occupy the property: there are gruff-looking men smoking pipes and a man and a woman appearing to recreate Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam.
Hannah and Stuart have somehow managed to make the Post House feel at once rustic and opulent – and that is no mean feat.
Boasting a spacious bedroom and two living spaces, each with a wood heater, I never lacked for comfort during my stay.
The hosts have an impressive eye for the finer details, placing love seats, a hammock, and a fire pit in the attractive garden overlooking the river, as well as kayaks for the more adventurous types.
As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a private gas barbecue and grill.
The Post House even provides guests with the opportunity to hire a private chef for an in-house dining experience.
If you’d prefer to eat out at a local restaurant or grab a delicious takeaway meal, there are options aplenty.
The pretty seaside town of Dodges Ferry, just an eight-minute drive from the Post House, has a number of high-quality eateries.
There is local institution, Park Beach Cafe, as well as Go Pizza and the fish and chips shop, Beach Bums.
For an old-fashioned counter meal, you can try the Dodges Ferry Hotel.
If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, splurge on fine cuisine at Oirthir at nearby Bream Creek, or stop in at vineyards including Bangor Vineyard Shed, Cape Bernier Wines, and Bream Creek Vineyard.
There is some intangible quality about the Post House that compels guests to go forth and explore. But that’s not to say you won’t be tempted to make yourself at home in the little cottage.
That might look like snuggling up with a good book on the couch before a roaring fire or stargazing from the elliptical paved outdoor area (keep an eye out for aurora australis).
For me, it looked like grabbing the jar of bird feed provided by the hosts and using it to make friends with Carlton River’s boisterous resident ducks.
Perhaps you’ve come from interstate or overseas and are looking to use the Post House as a base for further travel – in which case you’re in luck.
A mere 40 minutes from Hobart and only 25 minutes from Hobart Airport, the property strikes a balance between accessibility and quiet remoteness.
Located at the gateway to the magnificent Tasman Peninsula, a 30-minute drive will get you to the natural wonders of the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, and Devils Kitchen.
The Port Arthur Historic Site awaits, as do incredible bushwalks such as Cape Hauy, Cape Raoul, and Crescent Bay.
And what better thing to do after returning from a hike than soak in the bath while letting the tranquil sounds of the river and its denizens wash over you.
Hannah says the Post House is a “quiet testament to resilience”.
“Built in 1841, she’s withstood neglect, abandonment, and the unpredictable forces of nature,” she says.
“That she’s still standing at all is nothing short of remarkable. She’s weathered some very hard seasons – but her redemption arc has finally arrived.
“I hope guests feel inspired by her. If she can rise from her worst days to her best, maybe we all can, too.”
Leaving the Post House after a dreamy two-night stay, I’m reluctant to say goodbye to the place.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better setting for a romantic getaway.
MAKE A NOTE:
The Post House is located at 640 Carlton River Rd, Carlton River.
A stay at the Post House starts at $500 for two nights.
Local shops and cafes are an 8-minute drive away.
You can book a stay at the Post House by visiting posthouse.com.au
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