In one direction you can see the expansive Blue Tier Forest Reserve, with its valleys of impressive stands of mountain ash, myrtles and celery-top pines, and in the other the North East coastline which stretches out as far as the eye can see.

On a clear day, you can see as far as Cape Barren Island and Clarke Island in Bass Strait’s Furneaux Group.

I find it completely understandable that when the property’s new owner, Sue Stagg first visited the property and experienced its 360-degree vista, she was so overcome that she promptly burst into tears. It is a building and location that will elicit an emotional response from most visitors.

The Keep’s design imitates the fortified towers built within medieval castles that were the home of queens and kings. From their keep, nobles could look out over their lands and feel secure from any external threat.

Just like many medieval versions, this structure gives that feeling of majesty and command of its domain. Its location on a naturally cleared pinnacle, among massive boulders, contrasts with the sub-alpine rainforest of beech myrtles, tree ferns, lichen and mosses below.

The accommodation is a magnificent three-storey building made of sandstone and offers every modern convenience and creature comfort you could wish for.

You start on the ground floor that includes a laundry, garage and utility area. Then up the first flight of sleekly polished stairs you’ll find the first living area of the lavish adults-only accommodation. This level features a generous king-size bed that is decked out in elegant black and natural-coloured linens, a comfy two-seater leather lounge, a modern bathroom with large walk-in rainfall shower and freestanding bathtub.

The walls are painted in warm black and green tones and the bedroom’s walls are embossed with beautifully decorated wallpaper that features Australian flora.

This second storey also includes a snug reading room lined with a great range of novels and classics, as well as another comfy leather armchair to nestle into while you get lost in a book. With its rich, moody black-and-green colour scheme and timber interiors, this level feels like a reflection of the rich rainforest that we travelled through to get here.

Then you go up another level to the third and top storey that contains the living area, another comfy lounge, a well-stocked cook’s kitchen, a pantry and a stylish drinks cabinet, made by well-known Tasmanian designer Simon Ancher.

You will also be left a complimentary bottle of Tasmanian wine, some craft beers and a fridge of mixers and there is also the option to buy extra wine both, sparkling and still, if required. It’s on this level where you can appreciate that mesmerising view even further.

Just like the sculpture of the eagle that greets you at the entrance to the property, the view feels as though we are raptors looking out from an eyrie.

Every time I step up into this level, I can’t stop looking out at the view, and each time I think I’ve seen all there is to see, the light changes and I discover another aspect and it seems like I am seeing it for the very first time.

At one stage during our stay, the mist also rolled in and shrouded the entire outlook in a veil of soft clouds, adding to the heavenly, wrapped-up feel.

The property is extremely warm, with the floor-to-ceiling windows letting in the sunlight and also a gas heater on the top storey and hydronic heating in the bedroom and bathroom, as well as plenty of soft, cosy blankets and throws scattered around the living areas, for snuggling under when the weather is inclement.

Once you manage to stop marvelling at the view and turn back to the living quarters, you can then really appreciate the effort that the owners Sue and Jon Stagg have taken to ensure that your every need is catered for.

On our stay – and this offer is extended to all guests of The Keep – Sue had organised for us to collect a box of provisions from the East Coast Village Providore, in St Helens. This generous hamper of delicious food included a range of local gourmet treats such as soft cheeses, olives, chicken and port pate, smallgoods, fresh and dried seasonal fruits, chocolates and crackers.

She’d also thoughtfully included fresh milk, a loaf of bake-at-home bread and yoghurt for our breakfast the next day. The ample supplies could easily do for main meal if you felt like a platter for dinner.

Even though The Keep is self-catered, there is also a selection of frozen foods such as lasagne (both beef and vegetarian options) and cannelloni cooked up by Launceston based-chef Daniel Alps, of Alps and Amici, if needed.

Then there’s the coffee options that include an entire cupboard of coffee-making facilities, from drop filters to an easy-to-use pod-making machine. Given the owners’ day jobs – they run the very popular Hobart cafes The Stagg - City and The Stagg - Midtown – this really is no surprise.

It’s the little touches dotted around the accommodation that really make this place stand out from others I’ve experienced. The fudge and chocolate thoughtfully placed on the beside tables, the Monster-Be-Gone pillow mist that’s there for an extra spritz of calming fragrance if needed, that also helps set the mood for a relaxing sleep, as well as the fresh field flowers placed in vases around the property.

Then there’s the other luxurious additions outside the property including an outdoor fire area that includes a cosy spot to sit in front of and stare into the flames and toast marshmallows (a big jar of them and long-handled tongs especially designed just for this purpose are thoughtfully stored in the kitchen pantry upstairs). And then there’s one of the most photographed features of the property that social media influencers go mad for – a big outdoor granite bath for two designed with complete relaxation and romance in mind.

And, again, this is where the little details have been considered as there’s also a heart-shaped, aromatic bath bomb infused with rose petals left inside to help you make the most of your outdoor bathing experience.

The decision to leave the bath bomb inside, as otherwise one of the resident forest ravens may take off with it, is another of the thoughtful little touches.

During our stay, there really was nothing else we could have needed or wanted. There is also no television and limited internet connection which helps you really disconnect from the busyness and worries of everyday life.

This is the perfect place for a really special, romantic, indulgent getaway for two, and an ideal place to take in and rediscover the best natural elements of our beautiful state.

Not only does the wild location provide the ideal spot to get away from the hustle and bustle, the beauty of The Keep is that it gives you a place to reset.

The perfect antidote to our often hectic, modern day existence for which many are yearning.

The author was a guest of The Keep.

MAKE A NOTE

STAYING THERE

535 New England Rd, Goulds Country, Tasmania. To stay at The Keep costs $1250 per

night during the week, Sunday to Thursday; and $1380 per night, on weekends, and there is two-night minimum stay.

GETTING THERE

The Keep is located about 40 minutes from St Helens and about four hours’ drive from Hobart.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

There are several pretty short forest walks on the property itself including the Ferns, Myrtle and Creek walks and St Helens is not far if you feel like exploring the area further, and the stunning East Coast beaches of Binalong Bay and the Gardens are also a short drive away. No pets are allowed, smoking is only permitted outside, and The Keep sleeps two lucky people, however, other events such as small weddings or photo shoots can be catered for by prior arrangement. The owners are also currently working on offering an ultimate getaway

package, which will include accommodation at The Keep with your own private chef, as well as helicopter transfers with Unique Charters, and a picnic on Swan Island, which guests are welcome to inquire about. To book or for more information email:

hello@thekeeptasmania.com.au or phone: 0488 822 969