The Cob Barn

Escape to the Tasmanian wilderness, in a handcrafted couples' earth barn packed with creature comforts.

Blissfully isolated off the southern coast of Australia, Tasmania is famous for its vast, windswept ruggedness. Full of protected parks, majestic mountain ranges and wildlife-steeped nature reserves, there are plenty of natural wonders for you to feast your eyes upon.

Blending beautifully with these wondrous surroundings, The Cob Barn is a unique, hand-sculpted barn conversion in cob (hence the name!) that has been completely transformed into a cosy and welcoming couples' retreat.  

You'll find the beautiful earth barn on the northern slopes of Mount Arthur in North-East Tasmania, on the edge of 40 acres of temperate rainforest, and beside a small tranquil lake often visited by wild ducks and the occasional platypus.

There is an easy walking track through the forest that starts right at your front door. You can wander beneath giant manferns, Sassafras and Mountain Ash following a circular path up the slope beside a mountain stream, then back down to The Cob Barn through changing forest glades.

If forest walks are not your thing, The Cob Barn is just a stone's throw from Misty Mountain Peonies the small specialist cut flower farm and plant nursery run by the owners. You might like to take a stroll through the peony patch and see how things are growing. The flowering season varies from year to year, starting around mid-November through to late December.

Each room in The Cob Barn has been lovingly furnished, in timeless country style that will relax you instantly. Curl up in front of the cosy wood burner by evening, as you huddle on the squishy sofa and enjoy one of the DVDs provided (you'll find plenty of thoughtfully-chosen books and games, too).

The craftsman-built Tasmanian timber kitchen is well-equipped with an oven, hot plates and that all-important espresso maker to give your morning a boost! Not that we think you'll need it, since your downy bed is surrounded by ornate windows, meaning you can drink in all that early morning sunshine without even having to get up.

Meanwhile, French doors lead you outside to your private deck, from which you can take in the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest or simply watch the clouds roll by. There's even a small rowing boat, should you feel the need to paddle.
 
If that wasn't quite enough, you'll discover many generous little touches throughout, to help make your stay complete. A freshly-baked cob loaf (of course!), granola, home-made jam and fresh farm eggs are all provided, along with bathrobes and electric blankets... and of course, plenty of sweet-scented, fresh-cut flowers.

The picturesque village of Lilydale is close by, and within a half hour drive are several of Tasmania's famous cool climate vineyards and wineries, the Bridestowe Lavender Estate, and a little further on, the world class Barnbougle Dunes Golf Links on the edge of Bass Strait.

If wildlife-spotting is what you seek, the forest around The Cob Barn is filled with numerous bird species to enjoy through the day and elusive wallabies possums and quolls to spot at night - amongst many other species. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the Tasmanian Giant freshwater lobster - the largest of its kind in the world.

So, after a hard day of immersing yourselves in the natural world, simply retreat to your welcoming earth barn for a sizzling barbecue supper, relaxing by the fire pit as stars emerge in the vast night sky. This is the dream romantic escape you've always pictured, but never quite found...until now. The Cob Barn, Tasmania: the world's best kept secret!

Things to note

As heating is via a wood heater, guests should have an understanding of operating a slow combustible wood heater.  Check in is from 2pm, check out is 11am.