Charming Huon Valley homestead is the perfect country retreat
This divine luxe homestead offers guests a perfect blend of old-world charm and all the modern comforts and is an ideal base to enjoy all of the Huon Valley’s major attractions, writes Katie Hall.
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As you enter the grand, stained glass window adorned front doors of Clifton Homestead, you almost feel as though Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot may suddenly step out and greet you – such is the old-world charm of the estate.
Clifton Homestead may be an old building – its origins date back to 1854 – but don’t let that fool you into thinking any element of modern comfort is lacking in this now bed and breakfast.
My partner and I arrive on a beautiful, crisp afternoon while the daffodils in the lush gardens are in bloom. It’s about as close to an English country estate as you can get in the Southern Hemisphere, and located just half an hour from Hobart, at Ranelagh, in the Huon Valley.
Walking through the entry way and into the main lounge area, you will quickly notice that every detail in the room has been lovingly and thoughtfully curated by its owners in a labour of love for all things history and culture – and the result is a feeling of leaving our bustling world behind for a moment of timeless stillness.
Take your time looking carefully through each precious trinket, painting, piece of furniture, and artefact on display in the stunning, high-ceilinged living area, and the “current custodians”, Carolyn and Graeme Holmes, will proudly share that each item is a piece from their very own collection – picked up on their travels around the world.
As a pair of history buffs, originally from Newcastle, the long story of Clifton Homestead was a tale they could not resist – and like one of their precious artefacts adorning each of the estate’s rooms, they have now added Clifton to their collection.
“You only have to look around to see we love history,” Graeme says as he gestures around at the decorated lounge.
When asked why they chose Clifton, he says the couple were after a sea change with a difference.
“The only condition was that we bought a heritage home,” he says.
The heritage-listed property feels like more than a bed and breakfast – it does feel like a home – which was its original function.
“It’s always been a family home,” Carolyn explains.
She tells us the estate once housed three generations of one family, and in the changing of the guard over years, the property has been converted into the B&B it is today – including the addition of two cottages in the garden – which include guest rooms.
We are welcomed into the light-filled Bramley Suite on the ground floor – one of the four rooms available to choose from in the main building.
The sunny, welcoming room oozes comfort and the décor, including gorgeous duck egg blue walls, a twinkling crystal chandelier, plush rugs and cosy sitting area and more items from Carolyn and Graeme’s collection, all add to the homey feel.
A cloud-soft queen bed, tea and coffee station, and a large and modern bathroom make the room the perfect oasis.
When it’s time to decide what’s for tea, there are a couple of options for you to choose from.
Dinner (a three-course meal) is available on-site at Clifton Homestead in the dining room – as is a complimentary continental breakfast – but we opt instead to explore what is on offer in Huonville.
A quick drive to Short St and we decide on Lost Captain for our evening meal. The restaurant and taphouse is located adjacent to the Huon River.
While the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, the menu certainly caters to those with an adventurous palete, and we dine on succulent beef tartar with a wasabi drizzle, fried wallaby “popcorn”, rich and flavourful duck cassoulet and eggplant rigatoni.
But if you want to take dinner closer to home, at Clifton, there is also the newly opened Kiln Eatery – and it should rank highly on your to-do list. The former oast house stands tall on the grounds of the estate, just metres from the main B&B, and with its dark wooden exterior and huge frame, is a sight to behold.
We stopped by the next day and were welcomed into the building, the dining area of which is warmed perfectly with a wooden stove, and is clean and minimalist in its design.
The Holmes are now the fourth owners of the site, and as the Kiln stands today it is the only one to be open to the public. If you’re especially lucky, you’ll get a tour of the premises by Graeme, complete with a run-through of the building’s history, and the family who first worked in it.
For breakfast, we order thick slices of maple glazed and crispy bacon, slow braised Cygnet mushroom ragout with more-ish creamy soy feta, perfectly oozy baked eggs and a saucy, tangy bean dish topped with crispy, salted kale.
The woman leading the Kiln’s broad and eclectic menu – designed to be shared – is Joanne Amanatidis, who shares the methodology behind the meals on offer at the Kiln.
“We are a team,” Joanne says of the total 15 staff that keep the Kiln constantly producing fresh and locally sourced meals.
“Some buildings command a specific style of dining ... our core values here are our suppliers and customers, and keeping the food real.”
While you may not want to leave the luxury of Clifton Homestead, it is a fantastic base to explore the Huon Valley.
Sip on a spirit flight at Willie Smiths, wander through the shelves at a local honey store and sample their delectable honey mustards or liqueurs, or pop in to Home Hill winery for a tasting – or venture out further to Tahune Adventures at Geeveston. There is more than one way to enjoy what the Huon has to offer.
While Carolyn and Graeme hold tight to the history of Clifton estate, they are excitedly looking to the future, and are working ahead on plans for a small scale gin distillery, and live music offering at the Kiln during summer.
The author was a guest at Clifton Homestead.
MAKE A NOTE
CLIFTON HOMESTEAD
Getting there: Clifton Homestead is about a 30-minute drive south of Hobart, at 2 Louisa St, Ranelagh, in the Huon Valley.
Pricing: While staying at the Homestead, guests can choose from one of several rooms or cottages which start from $250 per night.
Dining out: Guests can choose to eat on site at the property’s restaurant The Kiln Eatery or venture a short trip into Huonville to one of several good restaurants in the township
such as the Lost Captain. For lighter meals during the day, Summer Kitchen at Ranelagh also does delicious pastries and great coffee, while Willie Smith’s Cider House and Kate Hill Wines are also terrific spots nearby to drop in for something a little stronger in the drinks department.
To book or for further information: 0497 222 028 or booking@cliftonhomestead.com.au.
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