Prospect Villa, 1824
History
One of Tasmania’s most significant early 19th Century Georgian country houses, positioned on the Northern side of Clyde Hill, Prospect House overlooks the historic township of Hamilton, surrounding farmland and River Clyde. Originally named ‘Acacia Cottage’, it was built by convict labour on land granted to James Triffett in 1824. The house was further extended in 1834 for the district surgeon, Dr John Sharland, who named it ‘Prospect’. Today, the heritage-listed property is testament to one of the best surviving works by colonial architect Edward Winch.
Prospect Villa accommodation has been painstakingly restored, and retains some of the finest architectural features found in Tasmania, including convict-cut stone work, cedar joinery and internal shutters, Regency and marble fireplaces, French doors and pedimented wings added in 1834.
The home’s surrounding established gardens are equally as impressive, with several themed garden rooms - including a formal English garden, Italian garden, courtyard garden, and perennial garden with elaborate trellis. The gardens were featured by renowned Australian garden writer Graham Ross on Better Homes and Gardens - watch the video and take a tour here.
Accommodation
Prospect Villa sleeps up to four guests in two luxurious, king size suites, with guests enjoying exclusive use of the house and private gardens. The Surrey Suite, inspired by grand English homes of the Georgian period, overlooks the English garden and features its own dressing room, adjoining sitting room, and ensuite bathroom with clawfoot bath and Australian Leif amenities.
Upstairs, the Sienna Suite looks out across the Italian garden from its Juliet balcony. With its exposed stone walls and beautiful antique furniture, the suite has a distinctly European feel, with artwork inspired by the Grand Tour taken by the English to the Continent during the 19th century. An utterly romantic couple’s retreat, lie in bed while stargazing through the skylights above.
There are several stunning formal and informal rooms to relax in, including gracious drawing and family rooms, library and music room. Curl up with a book from the extensive library, or watch old movies in the comfortable family room on the large Smart TV. Those who appreciate heritage buildings will love the original stable building and two-storey stone barn.
A gorgeous country kitchen, with the old cast iron bread oven and flagstone floors is fully equipped for cooking your favourite meals. Included in your stay is a welcome hamper of gourmet local Tasmanian produce, including a bottle of Derwent Estate wine, Hamilton Hills olive oil, Prospect Mulberry Jam, Ellys Salted Caramel Popcorn, Tasmanian Sea Salt Lavosh, and coffee pods, mineral water, milk & bread.
The gardens at Prospect House are truly spectacular and highly regarded nationally. Over an acre in size, and developed over several decades, the garden has been laid out in the classic English manner, with several garden room separated by walls of hedges. An absolute delight, admire each room for their unique features, including masses of heritage roses, herbs and perennials framed by ornate trellis, carefully-manicured box hedging, mature fruit trees, and the Italian garden’s fountain and stone temple structure. There are also spacious open lawn areas perfect for an afternoon picnic. These magical gardens provide a calm and peaceful escape from the busyness of life, and are all yours to enjoy.
Special Features
Antique Furniture & Art
Heritage Listed
Private Gardens
Luxury Amenities
Things To Do
An easy one hour drive from Hobart, Prospect Villa is situated just outside historic Hamilton, a remarkably untouched village with many original Georgian and early Victorian buildings to admire. With the Great Western Tiers as its backdrop, the township is close to Lake Meadowbank and the highland lakes, home to some of the best fishing in the world.
A short, picturesque drive away will see you in the charming townships of Bothwell, Ouse, Richmond, and New Norfolk - shop for antique finds at the Drill Hall Emporium, dine at The Agrarian Kitchen, and time your visit with a history tour or ghost tour of the fascinating Willow Court Asylum. Within a 30 minute drive is Derwent Valley Distillery, as are world class wineries, including Derwent Estate.
