Tassie Calling

MOTH & I are well overdue for a return trip to Tasmania, MOTH's spiritual home. Our last wander around the Island 6 years ago was nothing short of spectacular & I cried most of the way back to the Mainland on the ferry. However, not as much as when I arrived home & learnt from the agitated neighbours of a number of interesting At Home 'soirees' the boys had held in our absence. I've been hearing really good things about Quamby Estate just out of Launceston in the north, & these pics definitely convince me that a couple of nights here are a must.

Quamby Homestead’s construction commenced in 1828, and its founders, the Dry family, played a pivotal role in Tasmania’s early colonial and economic development. Of substantial architectural interest, it was during the 1860’s that the Quamby homestead became known as Tasmania’s 'Government House of the North'.


The homestead’s spacious reception rooms have soaring ceilings with the original decorative cornices and marble fireplaces. Grand French doors open onto a wide flag-stoned verandah with turned timber columns and decorative balustrades.

In keeping with the original building principles, the homestead has been restored into a unique luxury lodge housing ten superbly appointed guest rooms.

Completed in the 1830’s, this magnificent homestead is a rare example of Anglo-Indian architecture. On arrival, the tree lined driveway and extensive sweeping grounds are reminiscent of an English parkland setting.

The property was named Quamby after an Aboriginal word meaning "place to camp, settle down and rest"

Original features abound, like the bell-pull board in the servant's kitchen.

Guest suites are a mix of the old & the new.

The property is set on 12 hectares, so there's plenty of picturesque grounds to happily meander in.

And yes, just to keep Miss Millie very happy, there's a 9-hole golf course.

Timber shutters line the windows from inside, originally intended to provide protection from bushrangers. Two rose garden courtyards and a tennis court adjoin the homestead. So Quamby Estate, watch out as Millie & MOTH are on their way!

Images: Quamby Estate