Alice and Tristan Burns open the Arden Retreat at Richmond in the Coal River Valley

Inspired by the Italian concept of ‘agriturismo’ and winking at the Bard of Avon, this family’s labour of love celebrates our state’s bounteous native timber and promises a world away from daily stressors.

Arden Retreat in the Coal River valley at Richmond owned by Alice and Tristan Burns. Picture: supplied

Their foray into tourism accommodation has been a labour of love for the Burns family at Richmond and comes with a Shakespearean twist.

Alice Burns says her husband Tristan and two daughters, who moved to Richmond five years ago, did much of the work on Arden Retreat’s first offering.

The Croft at Arden is a two-bedroom cabin with blue gum cladding from trees felled on their property and milled locally.

She said the name for their retreat, which opened a week ago, came from the Forest of Arden which was central to Shakespeare’s play As You Like It.

“In the play, the forest provides freedom and restoration from the pressure of the city, and is a place where people go to escape or even fall in love,” Alice said.

“We were inspired by the Italian concept of an agriturismo, which are generally family-owned farms with accommodation, where guests are served food from the property or local producers.

Arden Retreat The Croft with guests. Picture: Laura Purcell

“We wanted to create a truly Tasmanian experience and had a unique opportunity to use the timber and other resources we had around us.

“The natural patterns and colours of the timber means it sits comfortably in its surrounding environment.”

The cabin was designed in partnership with Scott Verdouw of Jaws Architects, and inspired by the surrounding bush with builder Ian Fee having an “exceptional eye for detail”.

“Tristan has felled the trees, built the beds, designed and made the brass bench, wood-fired hot tub and outdoor fireplace.

Arden Retreat in the Coal River valley at Richmond owned by Alice and Tristan Burns. Picture: supplied

“The kids sanded blue gum stumps for bedside tables, drilled decking, and made us picnic lunches while we worked at the site.

“Has it been hard? Yes. But so many memories.”

Alice said she hoped it’s close proximity to Hobart would be a drawcard.

“Life is so busy for everyone, that less time travelling is more time relaxing,” she said.

“We aren’t far from the city, airport or Richmond, but you feel a million miles away in a private and secluded bush setting.

“The space is designed to easily accommodate couples or a family.

“We expect guests who simply want to disconnect from the busy-ness of day-to-day life or use it as a base to explore the Coal River Valley region.

“It’s an out of towner for everyone to enjoy.”

The Croft is their first offering, with plans for Arden Retreat to include another cabin and hot tub day retreat.