Red Feather Inn, 1842
History
Originally a coaching inn named Travellers Rest, this outstanding collection of Georgian heritage-listed sandstone buildings served as the first horse-change point on the road from Launceston to Deloraine. Designed by architect John Sprunt, the inn was built in 1842 for local police magistrate Charles Arthur, using convict-hewn sandstone blocks. Construction of the adjacent convict gaol building and The Watchhouse Cottage quickly followed in 1843.
With the introduction of a rail line between Launceston and Carrick in 1869, this prompted the start of various uses for the inn - as a private family home, small hobby farm, and now as luxurious boutique accommodation.
Beautifully restored, this premium heritage accommodation with cottage gardens is reminiscent of the Cotswolds. Great care has been taken to preserve original features, including the inn’s sandstone facade with visible pick marks, front entry door with radial fanlight, internal cedar doors and multi-paned sash windows.
Red Feather Inn is also the exclusive home of the Tasmanian Walking Company. Cradle Mountain Huts Walk and Bay of Fires Lodge Walk depart daily from a cottage nestled amongst the sandstone buildings & beautiful gardens.
Accommodation
Choose from staying in an adults-only suite in the main inn, or from one of the charming self-contained historic cottages that are ideal for families. All accommodation options have a private ensuite or bathroom with a full-sized bath for relaxation, and complimentary locally-made Lentara Grove body products. A delicious continental breakfast is also included in your stay, with muesli, yoghurt, seasonal fruit, bread and condiments, muffins, juice, tea and coffee.
All interiors have an understated, yet luxurious country French provincial feel, with a soft cream & white palette, comfortable sofas, and quality bedding. All guests are welcome to spend time in the garden surrounds, relax on the lawn, and enjoy a glass of wine under the wisteria at the end of the day.
The Main Inn
The Garden Suite: This unique two-storey suite offers sanctuary and space. Enjoy direct access to the garden, savour a quiet cup of tea in the cosy ground floor sitting room, or retreat to the upstairs to the romantic queen bedroom, with its stunning wall of exposed convict sandstone blocks.
The Library Suite: A tranquil king-sized suite, there’s a chic sitting room, a luxurious bedroom with fireplace, and spacious ensuite, with walk-in shower and deep soaking bath. The king bed can be split into two single beds if required.
The Attic Suite: Bright and spacious, the large attic suite delights with a dining nook, modern bathroom and freestanding bath. The bedroom features a king bed that can be split into twin beds, and sloping ceilings with skylights - enjoy watching the clouds scoot across the sky as you stay curled up in bed.
The Red Feather Room: A charmingly warm queen-sized suite featuring provincial furniture and a modern ensuite bathroom. Look carefully and discover the convict hand carved sandstone.
The Loft: Set under a large Weeping Willow tree, the original hay loft has been thoughtfully transformed into a two-storey suite. A contemporary bathroom on the ground floor with loft-style queen bedroom floating above, features timber panelled ceilings and rustic sandstone walls.
Watchhouse Cottage
An elegant open plan cottage for up to six guests, each of the three queen bedrooms has its own bathroom. From the fully-equipped kitchen, and sunny living and dining areas leading to a private garden, a seamless flow allows large groups to enjoy time together with ample space to relax.
Murphett's Cottage
Behind the postcard-perfect red brick facade lies a relaxed, open plan cottage for up to six guests. There is one king bedroom and one queen, both with their own bathroom; and further double and twin bedrooms with a shared bathroom. Murphett’s Cottage also has its own private garden, air conditioning, a laundry to allow for longer stays.
Pearce's Cottage
A luxurious cottage that caters for serious foodies, the kitchen with butlers sink is perfect for an afternoon of baking, or preparing your favourite meals. Sleeping six guests, the open plan sitting/dining room has cosy gas log heating, and bi-fold doors opening to a private garden. Two luxurious queen bedrooms have their own bathrooms, and a further single bedroom has shared bathroom facilities including a laundry.
“It was like travelling to the past, but with modern luxuries...beautiful heritage buildings, and absolutely gorgeous accommodation, with fireplace and bath in our room. The continental breakfast was delicious! Everything was perfect!”
Your Exclusive Offer
Simply mention Historic Stays when booking to receive a complimentary bottle of local sparkling wine upon arrival.
Special Features
Convict Built
Breakfast Included
Romantic
Heritage Listed
Things To Do
In the township of Hadspen, in the picturesque Meander Valley, Red Feather Inn is ideally located to explore Northern Tasmania. Situated just a 10 minute drive from Launceston, there are few destinations in Tasmania that offer such a wide range of heritage experiences. Visit Entally Estate built in 1819, with historic house museum, stunning gardens - that feature Australia's oldest conservatory, chapel, stables & carriage house - and boutique winery onsite. Play a round of golf at nearby Quamby Estate’s 9 hole golf course, or discover Woolmers Estate in Longford with a guided house tour, and experience a special journey through time.
After working up an appetite, head into Launceston - one of only two Australian towns that have been recognised as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Sample Tasmania’s best fresh produce at gourmet cafes, restaurants, wine bars, and harvest markets. Rich in history, Launceston has a museum for almost every interest, including the Tramway Museum, National Automobile Museum, City Park Radio Museum, and the renowned Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery. Or you may simply wish to stroll the streets, admiring the city’s built heritage and parklands, including historic City Park in the heart of Launceston.
