Huon’s Cloud River offers a dreamy romantic getaway

Once a pickers hut, this heritage-listed cottage now offers a romantic stay on the Huon River, full of vintage character with a touch of luxury.

The peaceful, tranquil river view from Cloud River Farm at Cygnet. Picture: Naomi Sherman.

Unlocking the front gate and entering the Huon Valley’s magnificent Cloud River Farm, I feel a wave of tranquillity take hold of me. A charming cottage awaits us on a 1.2ha property boasting fresh produce, lush gardens and sweeping views of the Huon River. Warmly greeted by our hosts Mark and Natalie Donkin, they provide us a pair of wellies to explore the grounds with before leaving us to settle into what we would remember as one of our favourite getaways yet.

Cloud River Farm at Cygnet is the ideal spot to spend a romantic weekend away. Pictures: Naomi Sherman.

The cottage is private and self-contained, situated a short walk from the couple’s 1893 heritage-listed home, which sits in a centuries-old apple orchard. The Airbnb guesthouse was completely renovated in 2020 by the former Sydneysiders, who bought the property after finding it had hit the market while they were holidaying in the Apple Isle a few years ago.

The inviting guest house at Cloud River Farm, Cygnet, which was formerly a picker’s hut. Picture: Naomi Sherman.

Originally a picker’s hut, fit for those that stood just over 5 feet tall, the Donkins gutted the lot and transformed it into the inviting guesthouse it is today.

The interior is decorated and furnished with vintage treasures including a coffee table made from a blacksmith’s bellows and a restored original wood-burning stove thoughtfully set ready for the strike of a match. Blending the old with the new, I was taken by the en suite’s waterfall shower, the bedroom’s soft Sheridan linen and the french doors opening up to the cottage’s private garden.

Some of the fresh eggs from the Cloud River Farm’s free-range chooks that guests are invited to collect. Picture: Naomi Sherman.

I was also impressed by the thoughtful gesture of Nat’s homemade goodies waiting on the table for us to devour as soon as we stepped in the door. Creamy lemon curd ready to spread, chilli-roasted nuts and spiced cherries – a special touch that made our foodie hearts full. With a wicker picnic basket provided for the ultimate date, we were given the chance to explore the property, collect delicious eggs from the free-range chooks, pluck fruit from trees and forage for oysters down at the river.

The cosy bedroom in the Cloud River Farm guest house. Picture: Naomi Sherman.

From passionfruit and rhubarb to olives and quince, the property’s glorious gardens are filled to the brim with fresh produce that is ripe for the picking and supplied to sous chefs at the highly acclaimed and popular Port Cygnet Cannery – a must on your visit to the Huon Valley.

To end a magical day we strolled down to the deck with a glass of bubbles in hand, coming face-to-face with a postcard-worthy view of the Hartz Mountains peeking above the horizon.

The well-appointed dining/kitchen area in the Cloud River Farm guest house. Picture: Naomi Sherman.

If the weather is kind you can even spy clouds floating along the river – a beautiful sight that the farm nods to with its name. As the day turns to night the deck transforms into the ultimate stargazer’s paradise – take a moment to spot the constellations above, with nothing but the sound of waves just metres away from you.

The stylish lounge area in the Cloud River Farm guest house. Picture: Naomi Sherman.

Since the Donkins listed the luxury stay on Airbnb last year they haven’t had a weekend free, the accommodation a hit for couples and solo travellers seeking solitude away from the hustle and bustle. The B&B is also a special place for those seeking a romantic getaway, with numerous proposals, elopements and honeymoons taking place at the guesthouse and even a wedding reception booked in the coming months.

Although the property features a world of its own for you to explore, it’s also the perfect base to tour the Huon Valley’s walking tracks, cellar doors and cideries. If you do decide to venture out, the village of Cygnet is just 11km away, and if you’re keen to try one of the region’s other famous eateries the Fat Pig Farm is just a short drive down the road.

Cloud River Farm offers a unique and romantic stay, perfect for Hobartians seeking a weekend getaway or holiday-makers from afar looking to mark an occasion.

The author was a guest of Cloud River Farm.

The lush gardens surrounding the Cloud River Farm guest house, which includes a centuries old apple-orchard. Picture: Naomi Sherman

MAKE A NOTE

■ STAYING THERE: Cloud River Farm, 414 Cygnet Coast Rd, Petcheys Bay, starts at $325 per night + a $60 cleaning fee (minimum two-night booking) – discounts for stays of one week or longer. Book via Airbnb at https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/45742024

■ GETTING THERE:From Hobart take the Southern Outlet before jumping on the Huon Highway to Cygnet – a 58km drive that takes about 52 minutes. Once you reach the village of Cygnet, follow the Huon River along your left before you get to a country dirt road.

The Farm Lunch experience at the Port Cygnet Cannery. Picture: Franca Zingler

■ DOING THERE: Just minutes away from the farm stay are plenty of cafes, bakeries and wineries, including the acclaimed Fat Pig Farm and Port Cygnet Cannery. If coming from Hobart you can stop off at the Willie Smith Apple Shed or the Red Velvet Lounge for a delicious meal and drink – a perfect start to your trip. If you’re feeling peckish, be sure to visit Cygnet’s bakeries Poolish & Co. and Little Lush Cakerie to grab a snack.