Tassie tiny home is the perfect spot for a little beachside break
If you’re looking for a cosy getaway overlooking the stunning Tasman Peninsula in scenic bushland with a tiny environmental footprint, Pirates Retreat is the perfect accommodation for you.
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Nestled on a hill that is surrounded by trees and overlooks the ocean on the Tasman Peninsula is a tiny home on wheels known as Pirates Retreat.
When I arrived at the tiny home, which is parked at the back of a small piece of land overlooking the breathtaking expanse of Eaglehawk Neck, the sunshine kissed my skin and I was blown away by the tranquillity of the property.
When you’re there, pretty much all you can hear is the call of native birds chirping from tall gumtrees, and the calming sound of rolling waves crashing into the sand. It feels like a world away, despite being a stone’s throw from the city.
That’s the beauty of Eaglehawk Neck – a gem of a spot only about an hour’s drive from Hobart that is full of national park tracks for all levels and beautiful beaches with white sand. Pirates Retreat is close to the Tessellated Pavement, Waterfall Bay Lookout, Tasman Arch and a short drive to Port Arthur.
It was one of the many reasons why Laurie and Maureen Tatnell bought a huge sloping block of land and transformed it into a bustling natural retreat to enjoy during their retirement years.
But they didn’t want to be the only ones to take in the serenity. Down the hill from their two-storey home, pristine gardens and workshop, they placed a sustainable tiny home in a peaceful corner.
“I believe that the attractions in this area are so good that we should be giving people an opportunity to come down and enjoy them,” Laurie says.
When I open the door to the 250sq m tiny home, a cheese platter and bottle of wine is waiting to be enjoyed with the scenery. A generous gift from the hosts that I enjoyed later that evening by the firepit.
To my delight, my furry companion was allowed to join me on our trip away. Guests need to keep in mind that pets are allowed but limited to only one dog and cat, and they must be house-trained and kept in an area close to the tiny house. After a short drive down the road to the dog-friendly beach, Chief went running wild up and down the sand, embracing the glorious remoteness. This side of Eaglehawk Neck beach is one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen. Layers of gum trees line the hill overlooking the rugged coast.
One of the highlights of the property is the open space around the tiny home which allows guests to enjoy the firepit. This is a particularly great experience at dusk, and when the sun went down, I enjoyed a small and warm fire under the stars and full moon. The fire’s smokiness flavoured our dinner which we paired with a glass of wine – an experience that was good for the soul.
Pirates Retreat is contained within a single room that somehow manages to have all the essential amenities, including a very comfortable bed, kitchenette with all the essentials, a table and chairs, and an air conditioner.
The design of the bathroom which has sustainability at the forefront has a compostable toilet, a small hand basin and shower which is heated by gas. These thoughtful additions allow the tiny home to save water and tread more lightly on the planet but at the same time still makes the stay luxuriously comfortable.
There was no Wi-Fi at the retreat, which gives me the perfect excuse to truly switch off and immerse myself in my natural surroundings.
Guests can also enjoy a tour of Maureen’s colourful garden during their stay.
Walking up the hill from the Pirates Retreat to the two-storey home that overlooks the coast with a beautiful manicured garden is where I met Laurie, Maureen and their dog Jasmine.
When purchasing the property, one of Laurie’s highest priorities was to ensure Maureen had plenty of space for the garden of her dreams.
“My wife is a keen gardener and we’ve had a good garden wherever we’ve lived,” Laurie says. “Usually when we move from a particular house, there’s tears because we’ve left the garden behind, so I thought for retirement, we will get a place where Maureen can have a nice big garden.”
And it was big, as I soon discovered as Maureen showed me the way around her multi-layered garden that surrounds her home.
It’s been a true labour of love for Maureen who spends every day with Jasmine in the garden. When creating the garden she carefully included her favourite plants and ensured she incorporated as much colour as she could including flowers and plants in pinks and purples, to red and yellow. Her array of colourful flora is a sight to behold and something which green thumbs will really appreciate. It even attracts native chickens that wander through her garden daily.
Pirates Retreat was a cathartic place where I could unwind and forget about the mundane realities.
By the second night, I really eased into the niceties of quietness and I felt as though I had really embraced the luxury of simplicity that comes with tiny home living. I just wish I had one more night to sit by that crackling fire, as by my second and last night, I had truly eased and relaxed into the getaway.
The author was a guest of Tiny Away’s Pirates Retreat.
MAKE A NOTE
Pirates Retreat hosted by Tiny Away, is located at 20 Richardsons Drive, Eaglehawk Neck
The tiny home includes one bedroom, a kitchenette, is pet friendly and sleeps up to two guests.
To stay at the property from Sunday to Thursday, it costs $179 per night, per couple; and $199 per night, per couple on Friday and Saturday.
Keep in mind that barbecue grills and outdoor fire pits are not available during a total fire ban.
Please note that this is a pet-friendly property, and pet policies will be sent prior to arrival.
To book for Pirates Retreat go to tinyaway.com
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