You’ll be blown away by this new Tasman Peninsula accommodation
There’s no better way to witness the power and beauty of the wild Tasman Peninsula than from the comfort of the luxe, off-grid, architecturally designed Roaring Beach House, writes Rob Inglis
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I was filled with anticipation after flicking through photos of Roaring Beach House, the newest luxury accommodation offering on the Tasman Peninsula.
But no matter how expertly shot they might be, pictures can never quite do a place like this justice.
Driving down the dirt road that branches off the seaside town of Nubeena, I eventually reached my destination. It might be a slight exaggeration to say my mouth was agape as I familiarised myself with the property – but it wouldn’t be far from the truth.
About an hour passed before I managed to finally wipe the goofy smile from my face.
I was immediately struck by the scale of the buildings – Roaring Beach House consists of two distinct wings – and the expansive view of the Tasman Sea that greeted me. Just when I thought I’d seen all the place had to offer, I stumbled on a new part of the property.
There was the wood-fired sauna, the outdoor bath, the games room, the inviting path leading down to the beach.
The effect on my mood was almost instantaneous.
A wave of relaxation settled over me, along with a sense of excitement about discovering everything there was to know about the property.
Capable of sleeping six people, the off-grid Roaring Beach House is perfect for a family getaway.
Set in the midst of about 4ha of secluded bushland, the Plain Architecture-designed home’s carefully cultivated eco-friendly ethos is evident almost everywhere you look.
The property is powered by 2.85kWh of solar capacity and 8kWh of lithium-ion battery storage, with rainwater collected off the buildings in a 10,000 litre underground tank. The hot water, meanwhile, is powered by gas.
Gardens of native plants surround the Buckland sandstone structures, which feature external cladding of macrocarpa pine.
It’s an architectural cliche but I can’t help but feel that the house is part of the landscape itself.
Stepping inside the house, feet glancing off the jarrah timber flooring, my eye is drawn straight away to the towering floor-to-ceiling windows by the combustion woodfire.
The view is so breathtaking it should almost be illegal.
Elsewhere, blue gum pillars – originally cut to support underground mines – stand guard on the multiple tiers that make up the living wing of the house.
The doors and double-glazed windows, meanwhile, are made from recycled Oregon timber salvaged from the Harris Scarfe redevelopment in the Hobart CBD.
A startlingly well-appointed cook’s kitchen comes complete with a gas-powered rangehood stove and oven, more pots and pans than you can poke a spatula at, and a Nespresso coffee machine. While I didn’t get the opportunity this time, there is an option for guests to add a private dining experience catered by renowned local chef Lilly Trewartha.
The living wing is connected to the sleeping pavilion by a spacious covered patio, which boasts an outdoor bath that seems to beckon you towards it.
The split nature of the property’s two main spaces encourages interaction with nature, fostering immersion and a sense of play.
It’s true that Roaring Beach House is tucked away in what feels like an isolated location but, in reality, it’s in close proximity to the Tasman Peninsula’s most famous attractions.
Apart from the stunning surf beach itself, the Port Arthur Historic Site is little more than 25 minutes away by car, while the Tasman Arch and Devil’s Kitchen also require just a small trip. There are spectacular walks on your doorstep, such as Cape Hauy, Cape Raoul, and Shipsterns Bluff, not to mention popular venues like Premaydena Hill Winery, McHenry’s Distillery, and the Pickers Pantry.
But, when you step away from the house, you’ll find it tends to call you back.
During my stay, gale-force winds battered the place and waves crashed onshore at Roaring Beach.
While you’d always prefer sunny and still conditions, there’s something about wild weather that lends itself well to the setting.
The built form of the house seems to respond to the conditions; to work in tandem with them. I imagine I would have enjoyed my stay in rain, hail or shine.
While it wasn’t great weather for ocean swimming, when the beach is just three minutes away on foot, and I’d recommend venturing down to the water even if you don’t intend to go for a dip.
Dotted with pig face plants and driftwood, it offers a pleasant location for a stroll, as long as you’re happy to share the place with enterprising pied oystercatchers.
Back at the accommodation, I stood on the covered deck just before midnight, my face numbed by the wind, eyes watering in the chill air.
I gazed northwest at a dramatic ridge line, etched sharply against a glimmering backdrop awash with milky moonlight. I felt grateful, as though I’d gained a valuable new appreciation of Tasmania’s natural beauty.
It’s hard to ask for much more from a weekend getaway.
The author was a guest of Roaring Beach House
MAKE A NOTE
Roaring Beach House is located on Roaring Beach Rd, and overlooks the Tasman Sea.
A stay at Roaring Beach House starts at $720 a night and must be for a minimum of two nights.
It sleeps a maximum of six guests, with three bedrooms and four beds.
Local shops and cafes are a 15-minute drive away.
You can book a stay at Roaring Beach House by visiting airbnb.com.au/rooms/1201091267390449648
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