Schawfields Cottage, c. 1910
Sleeps 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1
History
In 1842, Charles Schaw was granted 1,200 acres of land where 'Schawfields Cottage' sits. Working his way up in the ranks in the British Army, he was appointed as major in 1830. In 1833, he arrived in Van Dieman’s Land with his wife & eight children, and given the roles of coroner, deputy-chairman of the court, and assistant police magistrate. He was also granted land in Bothwell, and purchased Wentworth House, naming it ‘Schawfield’.
Not long after Schaw was granted Dunorlan land, he sold it to John Archer, whose homestead & outbuildings are still standing, just down the road from Schawfields Cottage. This humble, charming worker’s cottage, built c. 1910, formed part of Archer’s estate, and has sat in this pocket of field for over a century – becoming a little landmark in its own right. Built using local materials, the timber was from Cameron’s Hardware in Deloraine (where you’ll now find Dixie Blue, a gelato café).
In recent years, the cottage fell into disrepair. Owner & host Lilly and her husband purchased the land, and along with running their sheep, beef & cropping farm, set about restoring the cottage. While the original floorboards, front windows and cast-iron bath were all retained, a new kitchen and bathroom were added with modern comforts, to create a luxurious country getaway.
Accommodation
Sleeping up to four guests, there are two bedrooms - one with queen bed, and the other with twin singles that can be configured as a king bed if preferred. A cot is also available upon request, and families are welcome. Beds are dressed with pure French linen sheets, and wool blankets, woollen quilts, and electric blankets to keep you warm during Tasmania’s cooler months. Wake up slowly to expansive country views out every window, then take a shower in the beautiful new bathroom with Country Road towels.
Feel at home cooking your favourite meals in the newly-appointed country kitchen, which also features an original fireplace surround with wood burning fire. Included in your stay are breakfast provisions including fresh eggs, and a pantry stocked with essentials. The cosy, beautifully-decorated living room has a second fireplace, with plush feather-filled sofa to curl up on and watch a show on Netflix, or relax with a book.
Outdoors, there’s lots of places to spend time…sit back & enjoy watching the sunset with a glass of port, or G&T made with local 7K Distillery raspberry gin – included for guests to enjoy as part of their stay. Or take a long, indulgent soak in the original cast-iron outdoor bath, with complimentary luxurious Grampian Goods Co body products. There’s also a fire pit, plenty of firewood, and outdoor dining setting, with acres of surrounding countryside to wander and explore.
Feel yourself start slowing down as soon as you arrive at Schawfields Cottage. Start your day by lighting the fire, preparing a pot of tea and bowl of granola, yoghurt & berries, then enjoy at the quaint farmhouse table in the kitchen. Spend the morning reading beautiful coffee table books throughout the cottage. Head out for some local produce & perhaps a bottle of something special at a nearby cellar door, and prepare a delicious home-cooked meal to savour by candlelight come evening. Finish the day watching the flames dancing in the fireplace with a glass of wine, before snuggling up in bed, cocooned in soft linen sheets.
Special Features
Outdoor Bath
Breakfast Provisions
Cosy Fireplace
Country Views
Things To Do
Your stay at Schawfields Cottage can be as relaxing or adventurous as you like. If you’re feeling energetic, iconic Cradle Mountain is just an hour’s drive away, making it the perfect day trip. There are also many walks close by the cottage, including Alum Cliffs, Liffey Falls, Mole Creek Caves, and Devils Gullet.
For foodies, Christmas Hills Raspberry Farm is only a 5 minute drive – try their chocolate-coated raspberries! And directly opposite, you’ll find Van Diemans Land Creamery, selling a range of handmade ice cream flavours using the finest ingredients. Ashgrove Dairy Door is also only 5 minutes away, with award-winning cheeses to taste; and stop in at 3 Willows Vineyard for cellar door wine tasing.
The Truffle Farm, home to Australia’s first black truffle, is just down the road – go on a truffle hunt or farm tour. 41 Degrees South Salmon and Ginseng Farm is also a must-visit, as is Melita Honey Farm, where you can observe bees and purchase handmade honey and beeswax products. And if you feel like a day trip to the city, Launceston is a scenic 45 minute drive away.
